John Podkowa Jr., DO
Executive Chief of Primary Care
Specialties:
Internal Medicine | Primary Care
About John Podkowa Jr., DO
Dr. John Podkowa is the Executive Chief of Primary Care at Southcoast Health.
He began this role in 2026 and has served as a Southcoast Health Primary Care Provider since 2009.
Today, he is responsible for leading Southcoast Health’s Primary Care Practice in delivering exceptional patient care, ensuring excellent quality outcomes, and improving access to primary care services. Together with the primary care team, he focuses on partnering with numerous specialties across the Southcoast Health System to strengthen patient care and better serve our community.
During his tenure at Southcoast Health, Dr. Podkowa has served as the Medical Director for the Southcoast Health Network, a Regional Chief of Primary Care, and Chief Medical Information Officer and Senior Vice President. His leadership has always been rooted in improving how care is delivered and experienced.
Dr. Podkowa is board-certified in Internal Medicine and continues to see patients in Dartmouth. His commitment to compassion extends far beyond his clinical role, and he has partnered with Southcoast Health to establish the Nicole Podkowa Patient & Caregiver Fund, which provides support to Southcoast Health Cancer Care patients in need.
Before joining Southcoast Health, Dr. Podkowa earned his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. He then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as Chief Resident. He was also a National Health Corps scholar and a member of the Osteopathic Honors Fraternity at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Locations
370 Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
02747
Dartmouth, MA
02747
Insurance
Southcoast Health accepts most major insurance plans. Call the Southcoast Health patient registration department at 844-297-2952 or your health plan with any questions regarding coverage.
Ratings & Reviews
At Southcoast Health, we strive to deliver exceptional patient care along with an exceptional patient experience. We appreciate all of your feedback and share your comments to recognize the wonderful care our teams provide to you as well as identify areas for improvement.
Patient Comments (150)
Dr. Podkowa has been my primary care physician for many years and he is a classic example of how every provider should practice and really know their patients. Thank you
This provider and all the staff of his office are really unbelievable good and efficient and also very nice! It is the best you can expect!!
Always treated with respect and always good listeners
Dr. Podkowa is a very kind and Intentional health provider I'm very grateful to have him as my primary care doctor. I only wish she had more room in the practice to be able to also add my mother who is 86 years old as a patient. She is trying to find a new primary care physician I also have two friends that are also looking for a new primary care doctors and would definitely recommend Dr. Podkowa but I believe the practice is not excepting new patients.
From the support staff to Dr Podkowa everything went very well. This office is like the good personal medical of the past where you aren't rushed and everybody cares. In addition to being qualified professionals in the medical field they are also great people who I enjoy talking to. The medical profession needs to follow their model.
Very kind, courteous, professional and reviewing each medical issue at a time being sure for me to understand the plan.I recommend him to everyone I encounter.
Always a pleasure when being seen at dr podkowa's Office. Well run , experienced office team .u00A0
Dr Podkowa is the bestu00A0
Always keep up and knowledgeable about my history!
Dr. Podkowa is very professional he takes the time to listen an address any issues or questions that you have.
On time appointment! Everyone was professional and pleasant, efficient but not rushed.
Dr Podkowa always listens and knows what is going on with my health. He is amazing!!
Dr. Podkowa is a "top notch" health care provider.
Professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and on time.
Dr. Podkowa provided much emotional support and shared coping techniques/resources for a stressful family situation that I am currently involved in. I left feeling much less stressed and felt heard and supported.
Dr. Podkowa and his staff are professional and caring. I am so appreciative to have him as my primary care doctor.
Everyone in this office is so compassionate and caring. I'm always seen by Dr. Podkowa and [Name] and I feel so blessed to have them all be a part of my care.
Convenient location with lab available now. Maybe offer TV in waiting area? Always professional.
Dr Podkowa is top notch, attentive, caring and great to work with! His staff is also very pleasant and great!
I find the visit, televisit was very informative with information that I was happy with, as always with South Coast.
Dr. Podkowa is a kind and caring physician, whom I am so lucky to have as my PCP. He listens thoughtfully to my concerns, answers all my questions, shares his recommendations, and together we discuss my plan if care. The entire office staff are wonderful. My family and I are grateful for Dr. Podkowa and his entire staff, for sure. They are exceptional exceptions to Southcoast Health.
Very caring about my Health. Professional,Courtesy, Respectful of my Health.
Dr. Podkowa was very attentive and thorough. Technician was also excellent.
The doctor and support staff were great, and always are when I have an appointment there.
Dr. Podkowa is very thorough and personable. He is very knowledgeable and projects that in a relatable way.
Always treated very good
Always professional and timely and aware of my needs and my families needs.I hope that nothing ever happens that keeps me from continuing to be one of the patients here.
The office of Dr Podkowa is the BEST of Southcoast.
Always treated well and everything explained. Dr John and staff are wonderful
Dr Podkowa is the ultimate example of a good person, good doctor.I trust his judgment and medical knowledge to provide the best care I (and my family) could ask for.We are grateful and blessed to have him and his staff as our medical team.
We switched over from Hawthorn to Southcoast 3 years ago and it has been the best move for my wife and I.
Dr. Podkowa is a wonderful and Varin physician and I am lucky to have him as my PCP.
Dr podkowa is the best
There is no need to improve my experience. My visit was everything I would expect with my doctor. He is always very thoughtful and thorough!
Polite staff & caring Doc. Nice to see beautiful paintings on the wall as well.
Always excellent care from entire staff!
Dr Podkowa is the most caring knowledgeable Dr I've ever came across. He always goes above and beyond to make sure I have and need anything in regards to my health issues! I truly wish more Dr where as kind as Dr podkowa
The telehealth worked well since getting into the office would have been difficult.Currently, homebound.
As always everyone was professional, courteous and knowledgeable. I was treated with respect and listened to regarding the reason I was there. Dr. Podkowa and staff are the best and I am glad that they're in charge of my health.
Dr. Podkowa and his staff are the "gold standard" for providing outstanding health care to patients. He/they are very knowledgeable, attentive, detailed, kind and compassionate people. Dr. Podkowa is "best in class" in every metric possible.
Everything went smoothly. There is nothing I can think of that would improve the experience.
He is really the best doctor and great person. It's good to go to an appointment where the doctor knows you and remembers things about you! It really matters! Definitely personal experience and humanity is not lost!
Dr. Podkowa and his team always make me feel so good when I visit the facility. Everyone is always so polite and caring. Always making sure my visits are pleasant. Everyone treats me with respect ! Very amazing office, grateful to be Dr.Podkowa's patient !
Exceptional care on all levels. So happy to have this team of caregivers.
Dr Podkowa is an excellent doctor. He's very personable. He is passionate about his job and cares about his patients. I would recommend them to family and friends. He is the best!
Polite. Professional. Welcoming.
Everyone was really good and helpful and very polite
Excellent in every way
I was made to feel comfortable, provider was very understanding, and respectful all while being very informative
Well care visit was excellent. Dr. Podkowa is exceptional provider.
Dr. Podkowa is in my estimation the most caring, compassionate Physician I have ever had! I trust him with all aspects of my health, physical and emotional. He has over the years become a friend as well as my doctor! Southcoast is very fortunate to have a doctor like Dr. Podkowa!
Staff is wonderful, caring and knowledgeable, Most doctors rush you in and out ,Doctor podkowas is an exception to that ,Everyone from secretary to Doctor are great .
Very welcome it was my first visit. Explain thoroughly what was going on. Gave me the freedom to ask questions answered all questions. Not only to explain thoroughly, but made sure you understood what what was being explained?
My provider is the definition of More Than Medicine. I'm blessed to have him and he makes me feel that he's blessed to have me.
Dr Podkowa and staff are the best! Couldn't have better care!!
Kind and knowledgeable of my personal medical history
Dr. Podkowa and his nurses always listen and provide me with help and tests and test results in a timely manner.He is a friendly doctor who cares . I am fortunate to have him.
Everyone was very pleasant and professional. Dr. Podkowa is a very kind and knowledgeable man who cares about you and your health, and also is a very good listener.
I've been with this practice for many, many years. They always exceed expectations and they always get me what I need. They couldn't be any better if they tried. Thank you.
Professional staff courteous, eager to help. Dr. Podkwoka takes the time to listen and discuss my health concerns and provides timely answers and solutions.
Dr Podkowa is the bomb!
-Appointment started on time-Dr. Podkowa reviewed my lab results with me-Discussed future Health Maintenance appointments to be scheduled - Efficient reception scheduling and Health Maintenance appointments scheduled-Always a pleasure to visit this practice Thank you!
Dr Podkowa was awesome helped with all my concerns. Great office
Thanks for helping me through the years. Growing older is not fun, however you all are very supportive.
My expectations are always exceeded when I have an appointment at this office. The support staff is exceptional. They are not only efficient and professional, they are also very helpful and friendly. Dr Podkowa is fantastic. He was up to date on my medical history, provided insightful information and I really appreciated his attention to detail and positive attitude. I feel very fortunate to have such a great team to work with in with Dr Podkowa, [Name] [Name] and the staff at this office.
Dr. Podkowa and his staff treated me as if I was a family member. The staff were very courteous and friendly. Dr. Podkowa made me feel comfortable and explained every aspect of my physical clearly and succinctly. They are top notch!
Extremely professional but friendly and efficient office. Very well run. Very organized and patient centered.
Dr. Podkowa and his staff are excellent providers. I couldn't have a more knowledgeable and caring doctor. Southcoast is very lucky to have him as a provider.
He listens… the office is always proactive and they put their patient needs first!
This office goes above and beyond all expectations.I feel very special and cared for!
Communication and human demeaner was real and caring
Saw me at the appointed time. Dr. Podkowa is a good listener and explains things in "layman's terms". All the staff is polite and make you feel welcome.
I love this office and the staff.
Dr Podkowa and team have been and always will be the best. I'm grateful for them all!
No suggestions. Always a wonderful experience to visit that office.
Great service from e-check in, to vitals, seeing Dr Podkowa, and scheduling follow up. Even got a flu shot will was there.
Dr. Podkowa is the absolute best. Kind considerate intelligent always provides great advice.
The entire experience went well. Everyone is kind, courteous and very understanding
Dr Podkowa & his staff have always been extremely supportive, knowledgeable, caring, professional & their helpfulness has always been above par.
Nothing. Top notch and I am a physician so I know what good care looks like
Dr podkowa and [Name] Are always very kind and understanding. Also respond quickly to my messages. Both are amazing. The office staff are always very nice also.
My experience was excellent! It could not have been better!
Very efficient care. Staff friendly and very caring. Would highly recommend this office and medical staff.
Great doctor and staff!! Always nice and welcoming and takes time to listen.
Dr Podkowa is a great doc.
I am 65 years old, and I had an appointment with Dr. Pakawa. From the moment I walked in to check in, the person who checked me in was polite, friendly, explained what was going on. The nurse, the doctor, checking out, it was amazing. I felt heard. I was told things that I did not know about regarding my health. that got me thinking about how I need to change my lifestyle a little bit. And I'm more than pleased with the care I have received. And I look forward to many, many more years with Dr. Pacawa and his staff. A very great experience that I would recommend to anyone. And I'm very, very, very appreciative. Thank you.
I've been going to Dr Podkowa for over 10 years. He is always professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and listens. I appreciate the care he provides.
I was treated with respect and care never felt rushed
Office staff and Dr Podkowa are excellent in every aspect.
My visit was on time, efficient and helpful.
Excellent care as always ! Staff always helpful and friendly!
Dr. is always really interested in helping me.
Office was efficient, provider was caring, knowledgeable about my care, and proactive about the course of action necessary for my wellbeing
Dr. Podkowa and his staff are always responsive and caring concerning my medical needs. They take the time to explain information in a thorough and understandable manner. I can count on the office to deal with my medical issues or point me in the direction to get needed care. This office is a great resource in coordinating my medical care.
I was taken on time. The doctor fully reviewed my record and my health issues that are most current. His manner was very engaging and he is an active listener. He is an excellent diagnostician who feels it is important for me to understand the medical issues I'm dealing with. He recommended a clear path of treatment for me going forward and helped me to set some reasonable goals for my health going forward.
Dr. John Podkowa is an excellent, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and caring physician. Southcoast is lucky to have him! His staff is very friendly.
Everyone in Dr. Podkowa's office smiles; they even remember my name from visit to visit. They're all great listeners, and really helpful. This is why I drive from East Providence to North Dartmouth for health care!
Best Service at Southcoast Health
Dr Podkowa always is caring and concerned about my health
You did everything well when I go there, just so you're aware of everything. Bye.
No need for any improvement.
PA Lotte was great.
Office visits are always on time and the staff is very attentive and professional.My visit with Dr. Podkowa is never rushed and he really listens to any concerns I may have. It's the best doctor/ patient relationship I've ever had.
I have been seeing Dr. Podkowa for over ten years. He demands excellence in his office with a joke and a smile. He leads by example to create this atmosphere. Everyone is so knowledgeable and kind. Thank you, Dr. Podkowa.
Can't think of anything that would improve my experience
Timely. Friendly and caring
Everyone was great and thoughtfulu00A0
Dr. Podkowa is excellent. He's extremely caring. He's very efficient. He's got a great memory and recall of prior conversations. I recommend him wholeheartedly.
I can't have had any better treatment than I always experience with Dr. Podkowa and his office staff
Everyone was very friendly, polite & punctual!The doctor actually cares about his patients, you can tell! He asks question & explains everything!
Dr. Podkowa is a huge asset to Southcoast, this cimmunity and to all of his patients.
Caring, detailed and professional in manner. He is a wonderful doctor sharing his impactful knowledge and views on new research.
Not rushed. Listens and cares
Dr Podkowa is the best PCP that I've ever had
I love you just the way you are!
Great "bedside manner" Very attentive to the patients' questions and concerns. Give you 100% attention, and does not spend 75% of office visit, entering data on the computer terminal. I am of the opinion, that not any improvement is needed.
Dr Podkowa is a sincere caring knowledgeable person who is an asset to any organization he would work in
We appreciate the genuine interest received and follow through of questions and future goals. We are blessed to be in such good hands…
Dr Podkowa always listens, and he works with me to reach my goals.
Dr Podkowa and his staff are always professional, knowledgeable and prepared. I am always seen in a timely, efficient and effective manner.
Dr. Podkowa is always so incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Being a nurse sometimes provider's think we know everything and it is nice to be treated with the same understanding.. Office is just as amazing and friendly!
Dr Podkowa was professional and thorough, as always! I couldn't ask for a better physician!
Dr Podkawa always listens to me and makes suggestions as to what I should do or try concerning my care. I always listen to his suggestions and follow through so I can stay healthy.
Everyone in this office is great!
My initial consultation with Dr. Podkowa since transferring from Hawthorne Medical and he took time to get to know me and my medical concerns. The nurse scheduled my follow-ups and even made an appointment for my bloodwork. Quite possibly the best office experience I have ever had.
Tip top! Every person I had contact with was polite, friendly & professional. Well done!
Dr Podkowa is always very attentive and courteous
Send a message in my chat of my problem and got an appointment to see the doctor in the afternoon. Really great. I love this guy.
This office always does well. Can't say anything bad about it.
This office and the the employees are exceptional.
I absolutely love this facility, they are always friendly and very thorough!
No improvements necessary they check all the boxes
Only praise for this exceptional team. From check in to check out this office hits the mark. I have been a patient of Dr. Podkowa for well over a decade and I am thankful he is my PCP. He takes the time to really listen to my thoughts and health concerns and together we devise a plan. So grateful for the care I received from this provider and his team.
He did everything well including rescheduling my appointment for later in the day so he could spend more time with me!!
Really nothing. Dr Podkowa and his staff always pleasant & caring. Always take the time to answer and concerns I have.
Dr podkowa is just the best doctor ever!
We are always welcomed and treated like family. We are truly blessed to have Dr. Podkowa and his staff to care for us.
Efficient, on time, courteous. Nothing needs to be done that could improve my experience.
Dr. Podkowa has stayed on top of all of my numerous medical issues with my Boston specialist s. He is extremely caring and compassionate, and informative!In a scale from 1-10 he's a 20!
There's not much to say they are treating me very well with professionally and anytime I need anything. I just called and they help me out and all the girls are very nice.
Prompt appt., listened, acted appropriately.
Dr Podkowa is always pleasant and consistent.
Friendly and professional treatment throughout the office staff. Dr. Pokowa is an outstanding physician. Always friendly pleasant and listens to patient issues and develops a plan and explains treatment in easy to understand manner. Five stars!
Dr. Podkowa and his entire office are fantastic people. They're very helpful, very knowledgeable, and I would definitely recommend them. Thank you. Bye.
Thoroughly professional and compassionate. An excellent experience!
Dr Podkowa is an amazing primary care physician and I feel lucky to be under his care. He is attentive, empathetic, extremely knowledgeable and has an amazing bedside manner. I feel very comfortable discussing my health, both physical and mental, candidly with him and trust his candor and guidance. He and his staff are doing primary care right!
Dr. Podkowa was clear as to my health and my blood analysis. He is always clear regarding my health.
The staff is always pleasant.Dr. Podkowa is always personable. He's the best doctor I've ever had.
He is very understanding. He cares about his patience and I am so glad to have him as my doctor he's changed my health to better.
The provider and the providers office did everything well and professional.
Very attentive to my needs. Listened to my concerns. No improvement needed
Excellent professional visit
Takes time to listen makes my visit not stressful very fortunate to them for my health care I know I'm in good caring hands
Dr. Podkowa and his team are always welcoming and professional. Dr. Podkowa is a good listener and explains things in laymen's terms.
Great staff, excellent provider. Great location. Office is secluded from other busy areas, which reflects a calmer environment. Thank you
He had already reviewed my test results and immunization record. I needed a tetanus shot, which I had not known.
Curteous, professional, made me feel comfortable and cared for
It was a helpful discussion of my health.
Everything went well no need to change need.Keep up the good work.
Dr Podkowa is wonderful, caring. Listens well and a great practitioner
Everything from check in to the visit was handled expeditiously but with attention to detail. Excellent!
The doctor cares about my health and trys to always improve it