About
Dr. Harish Ponnuru grew up surrounded by medicine, coming from a long family tradition of physicians. He earned both his undergraduate degree and his medical degree at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine. His Internal Medicine residency took place at Sinai Samaritan Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned the Humanitarian of the Year Award and the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award. He also served as Chief Resident during his final year of training.
After residency, Dr. Ponnuru practiced at Barnes Jewish Hospital and in private practice in St. Louis before joining Menorah Medical Center in 2004. He served as president of the Menorah Medical Center medical staff in 2012. Patients and peers recognized his work repeatedly, including Patients Choice Award (2011-2014), Top Ten Doctors in Internal Medicine (2013 and 2014), and America's Most Compassionate Doctors (2011-2013). He currently holds certification through the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. His clinical passions include diabetes management, women's health, mental health, and personalized plans for diet, exercise, and weight loss. Outside the office, Dr. Ponnuru volunteers on medical mission teams in Honduras and Guatemala and spends time with his wife and children.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Missouri – Kansas City
Medical School
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Additional Training
Chief Resident, Sinai Samaritan Medical Center
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Ponnuru right for?
Dr. Ponnuru works well with adults seeking a primary care physician who takes time to know them. Patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or mental health challenges benefit from his broad internal medicine background. Women looking for a primary care doctor who handles routine gynecological care will find that service here. Patients who want personalized guidance on diet, exercise, and weight management fit his approach well. Adults of any age can join, with membership tiers starting as young as 16.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ponnuru focuses on internal medicine with particular depth in diabetes, hypertension, urinary incontinence, mental health management, and women's health. He also helps patients build personalized plans for weight loss, diet, and exercise. His broad training allows him to handle a wide range of adult primary care needs within the practice.
Dr. Ponnuru currently holds certification through the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He previously held certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Ponnuru earned his medical degree at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Sinai Samaritan Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was selected as Chief Resident.
Yes. Dr. Ponnuru has experience managing a variety of mental health conditions directly within the practice. Many patients do not need a separate specialist referral. When appropriate, he coordinates care with a counselor or mental health specialist.
Yes. Dr. Ponnuru performs routine women's health care including Pap smears, pelvic exams, and breast exams as part of his primary care services.
Dr. Ponnuru collaborates with Dr. John Dunlap, Dr. Josh Ezell, and Dr. Jonathan Jacobs, all Internal Medicine physicians at Menorah Medical Center. They follow the same direct care approach and remain available to Total Primary Care patients when Dr. Ponnuru is not available.
Yes. Dr. Ponnuru holds staff privileges at Menorah Medical Center and sees his own patients there during hospitalizations. If a patient is hospitalized at another facility, he still works to coordinate care with the treating physician.
Dr. Ponnuru earned the Patients Choice Award from 2011 to 2014, Top Doctor Award from 2011 to 2013, and Top Ten Doctors in Internal Medicine in 2013 and 2014. He also received the America's Most Compassionate Doctors designation and appeared in 435 South Magazine's Top Doctors list in 2013. During his residency, he won both the Humanitarian of the Year and Outstanding Resident of the Year awards.
Yes. Dr. Ponnuru develops personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, and weight loss for patients who want that guidance. He incorporates these plans into each patient's broader health maintenance goals.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026