Dr Stephen Kao

Dr Kao is a highly trained Australian Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgeon with a specialised focus on adult and paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea, alongside comprehensive expertise in general ENT conditions. His medical training commenced at Bond University, where his hard work and commitment earned him a place on the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence.

Returning to his hometown of Adelaide, Dr Kao commenced his medical career with a dual focus on clinical excellence and scientific inquiry. While managing a demanding clinical workload as a junior doctor, he successfully completed a Master of Clinical Science, specializing in swallowing outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.

Selected for the prestigious ENT Surgeon-Scientist program, Dr. Kao integrated intensive clinical training with a PhD at the University of Adelaide. His investigation into recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis earned him both the ASOHNS Best Manuscript by a Trainee and a Dean’s Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence.

Following the completion of his advanced ENT surgical training across leading hospitals in Victoria and South Australia. To further advance his skillset, he completed a Fellowship in adult and paediatric sleep apnoea in Wollongong, New South Wales.

A Staff Specialist at the Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals, Dr Kao is deeply integrated into the multidisciplinary care of obstructive sleep apnoea. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Kao remains a prolific contributor to surgical literature with over 20 publications. He is able to communicate in Chinese - Mandarin, allowing him to provide accessible care to patients within the diverse South Australian community.