Rebecca C. Rueppel, MD

Before becoming a physician, Dr. Rueppel worked as a speech-language pathologist with patients of all ages, from infants to nursing home residents. During that time, she saw a need for doctors who could communicate clearly and build relationships with patients – so she decided to become one. Today, she says, “My goal with all my patients is to help them understand their health issues and to empower them to make positive changes for their long-term health and well-being.”

A former student of linguistics, she still sees her most important role as that of a translator, helping her patients to understand their test results, diagnoses and treatment options. “The best medical outcomes occur when good science is combined with compassionate, honest and respectful communication,” she says. “I invite my patients to ask questions and to be upfront about their concerns, and I strive to create an environment where they feel supported, cared for and safe.”

Dr. Rueppel earned her medical degree at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia, and completed her internship and residency at St. Mary's Medical Center Family Medicine Residency in Grand Junction, Colo. She is board certified in family medicine.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she spent time on the East Coast and in Colorado before happily settling down in Oregon for good. She is a self-described history nerd and enjoys knitting, gardening, cooking and reading. She shares her life with her partner, Steve, and their three fur-babies: two cats and a dog.