Dr. Robert James Ponec, MD

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Gastroenterology

Salem, OR 97301 (2 other locations)

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Dr. Robert James Ponec, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Salem, OR. He graduated from medical school in 1987 and has 39 years of experience. His specialties include Gastroenterology. Dr. Ponec is affiliated with Salem Health Salem Hospital. He speaks English and Spanish. Dr. Ponec is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Robert James Ponec has 10 areas of expertise, including Abdominal Pain, Acid Reflux Disease (Gastroesophageal Reflux / GERD), and Acid Reflux Disease (GERD).

accepting new patients
4.9

172 Ratings
39 years of experience
speaks English, Spanish
Mayo Clinic And Medical School
165 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

172 Ratings with 165 written Reviews

Average Wait Time 21 Minutes

How was your appointment with
Dr. Ponec?

Patients’ Perspective

Gave an accurate diagnosis: (149) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Had a good bedside manner: (159) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Spent time with me: (157) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Provided follow-up after the visit: (140) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Flexible scheduling: (89) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Saw me in a timely manner: No Ratings
Staff was courteous: No Ratings

Patients consistently praise Dr. Robert James Ponec for his professionalism, thoroughness, and personable nature. They commend his ability to clearly explain procedures, alleviate anxiety, and provide exceptional care, often making patients feel like they are his only priority. His supportive and friendly staff also receive positive remarks for their efficiency and helpfulness. However, a common concern among patients is the difficulty in scheduling timely appointments, as well as instances of being briefed on procedure outcomes while still under the effects of anesthesia.

AI-generated from the text of patient reviews

172 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 165 reviews

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I had a visit for a colonoscopy visit went very well. The procedure was very, very smooth very professional. I appreciate it very much. Everybody was very top-notch and I thank you, Craig Garner.

March 2nd, 2026

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Dr. Ponek was good at explaining the procedure, the risks and what I could expect. He successfully performed the procedure and rectified my medical issue. He was pleasant and very helpful. I highly recommend him!

February 16th, 2026

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I appreciated Dr Ponec’s approachability and his willingness to answer my questions. He seemed to be in no hurry before or after my procedure so I felt comfortable discussing the condition and aftercare. A very kind but professional doctor.

January 28th, 2026

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Procedure went extremely well, staff was fantastic, other than having to drink prep experience was as usual , excellent. My thank you for a job well done. No problems at all.

January 28th, 2026

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Great experience from front desk, back room and Dr Ponec

January 28th, 2026

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Dr. Ponec was great. He explained everything and followed up after the procedure. The staff was great too.

January 13th, 2026

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Wonderful doctor and staff at Salem Gastro! It was my 3rd colonoscopy here. Just can’t say enough great things about Dr Ponec!

January 5th, 2026

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As always Dr, ponec is outstanding in all area of concern. I always feel safe with his exam,s . His staff were outstanding in all areas, once again thank you and have a merry Christmas, and gods blessings.

December 15th, 2025

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Dr. Ponec was very informative and thorough about what was taking place which put me at ease!

December 3rd, 2025

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Dr. Ponec has been the endoscopist that I trust for the last 25 years, and Salem Gastro is a top notch facility.

November 17th, 2025

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. Aditi Reddy, MD	Dr. Patricia C Kao, MD	Dr. Falguny Patel Bhavan, MD
Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology
Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
4.9 (172 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	4.8 (130 Ratings)	5 (134 Ratings)
39 Years of Experience	14 Years of Experience	25 Years of Experience	21 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 Spanish, English	Speaks Spanish, English
Salem , OR	Iowa City , IA	Salem , OR	Salem , OR
Med School: Keck School Of Medicine Of The University Of Southern California	Med School: Kasturba Medical College Mangalore	Med School: University Of Virginia School Of Medicine	Med School: Oregon Health & Science University School Of Medicine
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

Search for your insurance and plan

Accepts Medicare
Accepts Medicaid

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

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, Oregon, 2025, Expired

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Residency

Mayo Clinic And Medical School

Medical School

Keck School Of Medicine Of The University Of Southern CaliforniaGraduated in 1987

Dr. Albert Edward Ryckman, MD
Gastroenterology
50 Years Exp | Albany, OR
(1)
Dr. Michael D Buck, MD
Gastroenterology
52 Years Exp | Bend, OR
(5)
Dr. Howard Wayne Baumann
Gastroenterology
57 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(2)
Dr. Hans Christian West
Gastroenterology
51 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(2)
Dr. John Scott Gibson, MD
Gastroenterology
42 Years Exp | McMinnville, OR
(4)
Dr. Christian Albert Speer, MD
Gastroenterology
31 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(6)
Dr. Nizar Hussein Senussi, MD
Gastroenterology
17 Years Exp | Edmonds, WA
(0)
Dr. Nabil Elia Choueiri, MD
Gastroenterology
24 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(142)
Dr. Edward Howard Schultheiss, MD
Gastroenterology
44 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(0)
Dr. Gregory Deloss Potter, MD
Gastroenterology
52 Years Exp | Salem, OR
(0)

What languages does Dr. Robert Ponec speak?: Dr. Robert Ponec speaks English and Spanish.
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. 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 Health Salem Hospital.

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