Experienced nurse practitioner joins Bothwell Ear, Nose & Throat

Liz Kessler, FNP-BC

Liz Kessler, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, has joined Bothwell Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and will care for patients of all ages.

As a nurse practitioner, Kessler will diagnose, treat and evaluate patients who have ear, nose and throat disorders. She can also order diagnostic tests, provide health promotion education, assist in ENT surgeries, assess patient progress and discharge patients as appropriate.

Kessler has been a nurse for nearly 40 years and received a master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from University of Missouri in Columbia in 2006. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from William Jewell College in Liberty. Growing up, Kessler naturally took care of those around her.

“When I was young, my grandpa told me I needed to be a nurse because I wanted to help anyone who was sick,” she said. “I initially returned to school to become a nurse practitioner so I could teach at the college level. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with the role, especially being able to take care of all members of a family.”

Kessler has work experience in diverse medical and clinical settings, including women’s health, nursing education and five years as a nurse practitioner in Bothwell’s Urology Services clinic.

“Each of my different roles has shaped my career in unique ways,” Kessler said. “Women’s health developed my compassion and sparked my passion for family care. Nursing education reinforced my love for learning, and urology taught me how to care for middle- and older-age people, which is such a privilege.”

Marvin Smoot, Bothwell’s Clinic Operations vice president, said welcoming Kessler back to the Bothwell team in a specialist role means more access for people who need ENT care.

“Liz has a vast knowledge of health care to offer patients and brings a diverse array of experience to the ENT clinic,” he said. “She’s a well-rounded practitioner who knows how to care for patients with various health situations and ages, and we’re excited she’s returned to the Bothwell team.”

Kessler will support Dr. Peter Gochee, a board-certified otolaryngologist who joined Bothwell in April. Gochee sees patients and performs surgeries on Mondays. Hearing Instrument Specialist Gerald Young also practices in the clinic.

Bothwell ENT is located on the third floor of the Healing Arts Center at 3700 W. 10th Street, and hours are 8 am-5 pm Monday – Friday. For appointments or more information, call the clinic at 660.826.5226 or Centralized Scheduling at 660.829.8888.