About
Dr. Jeffrey Ponke graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wheaton College in Illinois in 1997. He earned his medical degree with honors from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 2001 and completed a Family Medicine residency with an emphasis in Rural Medicine at Queen's University in 2003. The following year, he completed a Surgical Assist training program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Dr. Ponke practiced medicine for more than twenty years in small towns and hospitals across Canada. He has served medical missions in Guatemala, the Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine. Since 2014, he has taught family medicine residents as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto. In 2023, he relocated with his family to Forest, Virginia to join Forest Direct Primary Care. He shares the practice's commitment to patient-centered, family-centered, evidence-based, and lifestyle-focused care.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Wheaton College, IL, B.S. Biology, summa cum laude, 1997
Medical School
Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (with Honors, 2001)
Residency
Family Medicine with emphasis in Rural Medicine, Queen's University, 2003
Additional Training
Surgical Assist training program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2004); Bible College, Knoxville, TN; Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto (since 2014)
Who is Dr. Ponke right for?
Dr. Ponke is well-suited for patients who value a physician shaped by broad, real-world clinical experience. His rural medicine training and two decades of practice in varied settings make him effective across a wide range of acute and chronic care needs. Patients with complex or multi-system health concerns benefit from his thorough, relationship-driven approach. Families seeking a physician who brings both international perspective and deep community commitment will find a strong match with Dr. Ponke.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ponke earned his medical degree with honors from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 2001. He completed a Family Medicine residency with an emphasis in Rural Medicine at Queen's University in 2003, followed by a Surgical Assist training program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 2004.
Dr. Ponke practiced medicine for more than twenty years across small towns and hospitals in Canada before joining Forest Direct Primary Care in 2023. That experience spans rural family medicine, surgical assistance, and community-based care in varied settings.
Yes. Dr. Ponke has a strong passion for medical missions and has served patients in Guatemala, the Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine. This international work reflects his commitment to accessible, relationship-driven care.
Yes. Dr. Ponke has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto since 2014, teaching family medicine residents. He brings that same teaching mindset to his work with patients at Forest DPC.
Dr. Ponke practices patient-centered, family-centered, evidence-based, and lifestyle-focused medicine. He believes in building genuine relationships with patients and taking time to address health concerns thoroughly.
Dr. Ponke sees patients across all age groups with a broad range of health needs. His rural medicine background and decades of experience make him well-equipped for both acute and chronic care, preventive medicine, and complex multi-system concerns.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026