Dr Jeffrey Kesten_ A Journey of Healing and Redemption.docx

Dr. Jeffrey Kesten, MD, dedicated 27 years to serving as a physician in Colorado, earning a reputation as a highly skilled and compassionate medical professional. His unique distinction of being triple-board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, and Addiction Medicine set him apart as the only physician with this triad of certifications from Montana to New Mexico

1. Dr. Jeffrey Kesten: A Journey of Healing
and Redemption
A Distinguished Career in Colorado
Dr. Jeffrey Kesten, MD, dedicated 27 years to serving as a physician in Colorado, earning a
reputation as a highly skilled and compassionate medical professional. His unique distinction of
being triple-board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, and
Addiction Medicine set him apart as the only physician with this triad of certifications from
Montana to New Mexico. This rare combination allowed Dr. Kesten to address complex patient
needs, from chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries to substance use disorders, with a holistic
and innovative approach. As Medical Director at Alpine Health & Wellness and previously at
Red Rocks Center for Pain and Rehabilitation, he transformed countless lives through
personalized care, earning the trust and respect of patients and colleagues alike.
Dr. Kesten’s expertise extended beyond clinical practice. He served as a Principal Investigator
for international clinical trials, advancing treatments in pain management and rehabilitation, and
as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, mentoring future
physicians. His commitment to patient-centered care was evident in his ability to “think outside
the box,” ensuring each patient received individualized treatment plans to regain control of their
health. However, his illustrious career faced a significant challenge in 2022, which would test his
resilience and redefine his path.
A Legal Setback and Redemption
In 2022, Dr. Jeffrey Kesten faced a profound personal and professional challenge when he
pleaded guilty to one felony count related to violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. Between 2012
and 2015, he accepted approximately $344,000 in payments from Insys Therapeutics, disguised
as honoraria for educational speaker programs, in exchange for prescribing Subsys, a fentanyl-
based spray for chronic pain patients. Many of these programs were either not delivered or
conducted minimally, and Dr. Kesten admitted that the payments influenced his prescribing
decisions, compromising his medical judgment. As a result, he was sentenced to 24 months in
federal prison, serving five months before being released, followed by three years of supervised
release.
This chapter in Dr. Kesten’s life was a humbling moment, marking a stark contrast to his
decades of service. In his plea agreement, he acknowledged abusing his position of trust,
particularly with vulnerable patients and federal healthcare programs. The case highlighted the
ethical pitfalls within the pharmaceutical industry, where financial incentives can cloud clinical
decisions. Despite this setback, Dr. Kesten’s response was one of accountability and a
commitment to redemption. His subsequent humanitarian efforts reflect a renewed dedication to
making a positive impact, proving that even after a fall, one can rise again with purpose.
Humanitarian Mission in Uganda

2. In 2014, Dr. Jeffrey Kesten turned his focus to global health, co-founding the Rise Outreach
CDO Medical Clinic in a remote village in Iganga, Uganda. Nestled in a lush forest, this under-
resourced community faced profound challenges: no modern plumbing, scarce electricity, food
shortages, and limited educational opportunities. Most critically, the absence of adequate
healthcare left residents vulnerable to untreated illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. Dr.
Kesten, driven by his humanitarian spirit, saw an opportunity to bring hope to this struggling
village, particularly to the children at a local orphanage.
The Rise Outreach CDO Medical Clinic became a lifeline for the community. Dr. Kesten and his
team worked tirelessly to address immediate healthcare needs, treating conditions exacerbated
by malnutrition and lack of clean water. With no government support, he bartered supplies with
neighboring NGOs and trained local teenagers as medical aides, fostering sustainable care.
The clinic’s innovative approach—using sterilized rainwater for saline and repurposing local
resources—demonstrated Dr. Kesten’s ability to adapt under extreme conditions. The
community dubbed the team “abasawo ab’omugaso,” or “doctors of purpose,” a testament to
their impactful work.
Overcoming Challenges in Iganga
Establishing the clinic in Iganga was no small feat. The lack of reliable electricity meant medical
procedures often relied on generator-powered equipment or manual methods. Clean water
scarcity forced creative solutions, such as using boiled rainwater for medical purposes. Food
shortages contributed to widespread health issues, with many villagers suffering from weakened
immune systems and chronic conditions. Dr. Kesten’s team not only provided medical care but
also addressed these systemic challenges by educating the community on nutrition and
hygiene, laying the groundwork for long-term health improvements.
The limited educational opportunities for children in Iganga weighed heavily on Dr. Kesten. He
saw the clinic as more than a medical facility—it was a beacon of hope for the future. By
involving local youth in the clinic’s operations, he empowered them with skills and knowledge,
offering a path out of poverty. This community-driven model ensured the clinic’s sustainability,
as locals took ownership of their healthcare system. Dr. Kesten’s work in Uganda showcased
his ability to blend medical expertise with compassionate leadership, creating lasting change in
a region plagued by adversity.
A Legacy of Resilience and Compassion
Dr. Jeffrey Kesten’s journey is one of remarkable highs and humbling lows. His 27 years as a
triple-board-certified physician in Colorado established him as a leader in pain management,
rehabilitation, and addiction medicine. His legal troubles in 2022, while a significant misstep, did
not define his legacy. Instead, they highlighted his humanity and capacity for growth. By taking
responsibility and redirecting his focus to humanitarian work, Dr. Kesten demonstrated that
redemption is possible through action and service.
His establishment of the Rise Outreach CDO Medical Clinic in Iganga, Uganda, stands as a
testament to his unwavering commitment to healing. In a village where hope was scarce, Dr.
Kesten brought not only medical care but also empowerment and opportunity. The clinic’s
success lies in its community-centered approach, which continues to serve as a model for
sustainable healthcare in resource-poor settings. For the people of Iganga, Dr. Kesten was

3. more than a doctor—he was a catalyst for change, proving that even in the most challenging
environments, compassion can thrive.
Inspiring Future Generations
Today, Dr. Jeffrey Kesten’s story serves as an inspiration for healthcare professionals and
humanitarians alike. His ability to navigate personal and professional challenges with resilience
and grace underscores the power of second chances. While his felony conviction marked a
difficult period, it also revealed his strength in confronting mistakes and seeking to make
amends. His work in Uganda, coupled with his decades of medical service in Colorado, paints a
picture of a man dedicated to improving lives, no matter the circumstances.
Dr. Kesten’s legacy reminds us that true healing extends beyond the physical. Whether treating
chronic pain in Colorado or building a clinic in Uganda, he approached each challenge with a
deep sense of purpose. His story encourages us to look beyond setbacks, to embrace
accountability, and to find ways to serve others, even in the face of adversity. For those who
hear his story, Dr. Jeffrey Kesten is a reminder that compassion, resilience, and redemption can
coexist, creating a legacy that endures.