Our Team

Dr. Harish Ponnuru (“Dr. P”)

Dr. Ponnuru comes from a long line of doctors in his family and is proud to carry on that tradition.   He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, as well as his medical degree.  His Internal Medicine Residency was completed at Sinai Samaritan Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  During his residency, Dr. Ponnuru won the Humanitarian of the Year Award, Outstanding Resident of the Year Award, and served as Chief Resident for one year. Prior to joining Menorah Medical Center in 2004, Dr. Ponnuru worked at Barnes Jewish Hospital and in private practice in St. Louis, Missouri.  He has a special interest in diabetes.

In his spare time, Dr. Ponnuru enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.  He also enjoys doing volunteer work and has served on medical mission teams in Honduras and Guatemala.

  • Awards and Certifications:
    •  Patients Choice Award (2011-2014)
    •  Top Doctor Award (2011-2013)
    •  Top Ten Doctors in Internal Medicine (2013, 2014)
    •  America’s Most Compassionate Doctors (2011-2013)
    •  Named to 435 South Magazine Top Doctors (2013)
    •  Served as president of the Menorah Medical Center medical staff in 2012
    •  Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine - previous

  • Certified by National Board of Physicians and Surgeons - present

Kim K RN

Kim has years of experience as a Med-Surg nurse, Charge Nurse and a Director of Nursing. She looks forward to assisting patients with their healthcare needs.

Degrees and Certifications:
•  Platte College LPN (2004)
•  Platte College RN (2009)
•  Phlebotomy Certification (2024)
•  ACLS/BLS Certification (2025)
•  BNOO Award (2025)
•  Nail Tech (2019)

Zach Thouvenell CPT

Zach joined us in the spring of 2025. He has been working in healthcare since 2012. He started as a Private Caregiver for his Great Grandmother from 2012-2014. He was a Home Health Aide for three years until getting his Phlebotomy License 2017. He has been working as a Medical Assistant since 2018. He loves his Fur-baby Mila.

Certifications:
•  Certified Phlebotomy (2017)
•  NHS (2017)
•  CPR/BLS (2022)

Kyle Mellor MD

Kyle has worked in healthcare for the last eight years. He joined us in the spring of 2025 after graduating from UMKC School of Medicine. He is spending time helping out the clinic before heading off to residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In his free time he likes to run and hang out with his cat Tuna.

Degrees and Certifications:
•  Northwest Missouri State University BS - Chemistry (2015-2019)
•  University of Missouri KC MD (2021-2025)
•  ACLS/BLS (2025)
•  MDOT drug testing (2025)