Dr. Robert J. Ponec, MD | Salem, OR | Gastroenterologist

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Dr. Robert Ponec is a gastroenterologist with 39 years of experience treating digestive system disorders. He earned his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and completed his residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and Medical School. Dr. Ponec is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Ponec practices at Salem Health Salem Hospital and provides care at multiple locations throughout Salem, Oregon. He specializes in treating conditions such as colon polyps, GERD, and upper GI bleeding. His expertise includes performing colonoscopies and lower GI endoscopy procedures to diagnose and treat digestive issues. Patients have given him an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Vitals.

Overview based on verified provider data

accepting new patients
4.9

188 Ratings
39 years of experience
speaks English, Spanish
Mayo Clinic And Medical School
181 written reviews
1 specialty
10 areas of expertise
1 board certification
1 hospital affiliation
3 office locations
Male

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me

Based on patient feedback. Read the reviews

Dr. Ponec's Ratings and Reviews

4.9

188 Ratings with 181 written Reviews

Average Wait Time 21 Minutes

How was your appointment with
Dr. Ponec?

Patients’ Perspective

Gave an accurate diagnosis: (164) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Had a good bedside manner: (174) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Spent time with me: (172) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Provided follow-up after the visit: (150) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Flexible scheduling: (98) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Saw me in a timely manner: (8) Did WellNeeds Improvement (0)
Staff was courteous: (8) Did WellNeeds Improvement (0)

Patients consistently praise Dr. Robert James Ponec for his exceptional bedside manner, thorough explanations, professionalism, and caring approach, highlighted by a strong sense of trust and comfort under his care. Reviewers frequently commend the competence and friendliness of his staff, noting the efficient and comfortable experience provided throughout their visits. While overwhelmingly positive, a few patients mentioned challenges, such as difficulty securing timely appointments and inadequate explanation of delays during procedures. Overall, the feedback reflects a high regard for Dr. Ponec's expertise and the positive atmosphere fostered by his team.

AI-generated from the text of patient reviews

188 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 181 reviews

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Dr. Ponec was pleasant, prompt and professional. Reviewed his findings after the procedure. He and his team excelled in their expertise and skill.

July 20th, 2026

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Dr Ponec had wonderful bedside manners, wonderful expalanations, very throughal, kind and a pleasant experience. Staff was wonderful. Highly recommend the doctor

July 17th, 2026

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My fourth colonoscopy with Dr. Ponec went as well as all the others. He has been doing this for 39 years and I hope he is around for my next one.

July 16th, 2026

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The doctor is very nice and patient to explain the procedure outcome

July 16th, 2026

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Dr. Ponec was very kind and thorough. He made me feel very comfortable and all of the medical staff were professional and kind.

July 6th, 2026

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Dr. Ponec and his staff are professional and very friendly. They provide you with a detailed description of procedures and make sure to answer any questions you may have.

June 18th, 2026

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Dr Ponec and his team are excellent. I couldn't have ask for a better team from begining until I left.

June 18th, 2026

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Every single person I interacted with was fantastic. Dr. Ponec clearly described his findings, what comes next and my course of action. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience.

June 18th, 2026

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Very thorough, on time, great staff and clear explanation of the procedure.

June 17th, 2026

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I’ve been seeing Dr. Ponec for >20 years and appreciate his caring attitude and clear explanations. One of the nurses told me that during the procedure he meticulously describes each step he is doing and is very focused. Given that he may do several colonoscopies on his “procedure day” that attention to detail is to be commended.

May 28th, 2026

Salem Health Salem Hospital

890 Oak St SeSalem, OR 97301

Tel: (503) 561-5200

Salem Endoscopy Center

875 Oak St Se Ste C3010Salem, OR 97301

Tel: (503) 561-8170

Mon7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Tue7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Wed7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Thu7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Fri7:30 am - 4:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Salem Gastro

875 Oak St Se Ste C3010Salem, OR 97301


Dr. Robert James Ponec, MD	Dr. Hans Christian West	Dr. Howard Wayne Baumann	Nazmul Hoque, MD
Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology
Accepts New Patients			Accepts New Patients
4.9 (188 Ratings)	5 (2 Ratings)	2 (2 Ratings)	3.3 (7 Ratings)
39 Years of Experience	51 Years of Experience	57 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English	Speaks English	Speaks English
Salem , OR	Salem , OR	Salem , OR	McMinnville , OR
Med School: Keck School Of Medicine Of The University Of Southern California	Med School: Emory University	Med School: University of Cincinnati	Med School: Beijing Medical University
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

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Gastroenterology

Abdominal Pain
Acid Reflux Disease (Gastroesophageal Reflux / GERD)
Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
Celiac Disease
Colonoscopy
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis C
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Ulcerative Colitis

Dr. Robert James Ponec holds an expired medical license in the state of Oregon.

Medical License

Medical Doctor with an expired medical license in the state of Oregon that expired in 2025.

Education & Training

Residency

Completed their residency at Mayo Clinic And Medical School.

Medical School

Graduated from Keck School Of Medicine Of The University Of Southern California in 1987.

NPI Number

Dr. Ponec's NPI number is 1356329049.

Dr. Srinivasan Subramanian, MD
Gastroenterology
22 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(1)
Dr. Gregory Francis Churchill
Gastroenterology
| Jacksonville, FL
(0)
Dr. Nizar Hussein Senussi, MD
Gastroenterology
17 Years Exp | Edmonds, WA
(0)
Abina Luitel
Nurse Practitioner
| Salem, OR
(0)
Dr. Gregory Deloss Potter, MD
Gastroenterology
52 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(0)
Dr. Roger Jay Epstein, MD
Gastroenterology
52 Years Exp | Silverton, OR
(21)
Dr. Mayda Ramos, MD
Internal Medicine
45 Years Exp | Portland, OR
(5)
Dr. Nabil Elia Choueiri, MD
Gastroenterology
24 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(148)
Dr. Albert Edward Ryckman, MD
Gastroenterology
50 Years Exp | Albany, OR
(1)
Dr. Michael D Buck, MD
Gastroenterology
52 Years Exp | Bend, OR
(5)

Does Dr. Robert Ponec accept virtual/telehealth appointments?: Dr. Robert Ponec has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
Is Dr. Robert Ponec accepting new patients?: Dr. Robert Ponec is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Robert Ponec's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.
Does Dr. Robert Ponec accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Robert Ponec accepts on their Vitals profile.
Which hospitals is Dr. Robert Ponec affiliated with?: Dr. Robert Ponec is affiliated with SALEM HOSPITAL.
Where is Dr. Robert Ponec's office located?: Dr. Robert Ponec's office is located at 890 Oak St Se, Salem, OR, 97301.

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