Kara M Hessel, DO

Dr. Kara Hessel is a vascular surgeon who cares for patients of all ages. Among the many diagnoses she treats are aortic aneurysms and dissections, carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), end-stage renal disease, deep vein thrombosis and wound care. She is skilled in endovascular and open aortic aneurysm repair, aortoiliac occlusive disease surgery, lower limb arterial disease surgery, dialysis access creation and dozens of other procedures and surgeries.

Dr. Hessel is passionate about advocating for equitable access to healthcare. She recognizes that many members of our community have limited access to insurance and resources for procedures, medications and transportation. She strongly believes all patients should have access to this care, and she’s working to address this problem in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Dr. Hessel is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She earned her medical degree at Kansas City University and completed her general surgery residency at The University of Kansas Hospital. She then completed her vascular surgery fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center before returning to Kansas City. She is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery, Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society, Midwest Vascular Surgical Society, Association of Women Surgeons and Alpha Omega Alpha.

In her free time, Dr. Hessel loves to read fiction, historical books and autobiographies. She also enjoys spending time with her family, taking trips and decorating living spaces.