G. Richard Polkinghorn

G. Richard Polkinghorn, MD

Patient Rating
4.7 out of 5 (406 Ratings, 108 Comments)
See Patient Reviews | About our survey

Profile

Gender:
Male

Specialties:

Hematology and Medical Oncology

Areas of Interest

Dr. Polkinghorn is a board-certified medical oncologist at MaineGeneral's Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta, where he also serves as oncology medical director. He worked at Maine Center for Cancer Medicine in Brunswick for more than 13 years, and served as medical director of medical oncology at Mid Coast Hospital as well. Since 1998, he also has been a clinical professor of medicine at University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, VT. A member of MaineGeneral Medical Center's active staff, he established his practice locally in March 2012.

Languages Spoken

  • English

Education

Education

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, Medical School
Claremont Graduate School, Claremont, CA, Master's

Internships

UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, Internal Medicine

Residency

UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, Internal Medicine

Fellowship

Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, Medical Oncology

Professional Memberships

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • American Medical Association
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  • American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
  • National Board of Medical Examiners, Medical Examiner

Office Information

Locations

Patient Reviews

December 04, 2025
Doctor Polkinghorn, his team and everyone at the Cancer Center are the best! I am very lucky to be in their care.
December 02, 2025
Calcium infusion was done in a very comfortable manner and made me feel relaxed
December 02, 2025
I've felt well taken care of while going through treatment. Everyone who interacted with me asked if there was anything I needed, or if they could get me something. Very warm and friendly staff.
November 25, 2025
Hello, I thought that the video chat was a little unusual. However, I felt that everything was taken care of and I didn't feel like I was missing anything at all. I just wish I'd have a little bit more time to warm up to the idea. However, I'm more than willing to go full force on it from here. Dr. P is amazing and if that's the best way to get in to see him, I am more than willing to do that. Thank you very much.
November 24, 2025
I have always been well taken care by everyone at the Cancer center.
November 19, 2025
I totally trust the doctors
November 10, 2025
Dr Polkinghorn is a very professional and supportive medical provider who I trust with my cancer treatment and recovery.
November 10, 2025
Waiting times too long.
November 05, 2025
The best care, even one is so nice and helpful.
November 04, 2025
The people that work here are always very pleasant and helpful. They are amazing.
November 03, 2025
Fantastic treatment thank you Dr Polkinghorn and your fantastic tram
November 03, 2025
I felt very comfortable, and not rushed.
October 29, 2025
Just all around good people at every turn!!
October 29, 2025
It was good people are friendly i have a great Dr
October 28, 2025
Love Dr P & his staff!
October 27, 2025
Having to wait until exactly 15 minutes prior to register is kind of inconvenient. I got turned away with 6 minutes to go. I go sit down and then when I get back up there is a line of people. Very frustrating.
October 24, 2025
Very caring people. That's all I can say about them. They're very caring people. Thank you.
October 22, 2025
I am blessed to be under the care of Dr Polkinghorn. His team is top notch!! From going through the doors to checking in. Always treated with respect. The lab, oncology nurses are wonderful and caring, explaining everything. ?????
October 22, 2025
The people in this facility are excellent
October 20, 2025
I appreciate everyone being so responsive and getting me in two days in a row for fluids. Everyone was so concerned and caring. Such a wonderful staff!
October 16, 2025
Support staff is amazing! So were the providers, but people always recognize them, as they should, but what makes your experience a positive are all the support staff. They create a "safe and warm" environment. Thank you.
October 13, 2025
Dr Polkinghorn is the best!!
October 10, 2025
From the front desk folks, to the intake nurses, to the lab, to the doctors, to the PAs, to the chair nurses, every single person made me feel valued and cared for, and I couldn't have asked for a better medical team in this past year for my treatment. The Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care is full of angels. and I am so, so appreciative for each one of them.
October 08, 2025
Dr Polkinghorn was knowledgeable about my medical history. He is always a good listener and is very decisive with his recommendations. Everyone is very pleasant and professional when I have my appointments.
October 06, 2025
I have enjoyed going to the cancer center. They really care
September 16, 2025
Dr. Polkinghorn and his team are wonderful
September 12, 2025
Doctor Polkinghorn is always so very kind and compassionate. Having stage four cancer is tough but he and his staff always make me feel special and cared for. I would highly recommend Dr. P and Dr. Sen. they are both class acts.
September 11, 2025
Every one was very kind and helpfull.
September 05, 2025
A positive experience with Dr. Polkinghorn. He relieved my anxiety.
September 05, 2025
I am still a little unsure as the doctor suggested the opposite of what my last hemotologist has recommended so am struggling a little with being so total opposite of each other. I do appreciate that he wants to do a CT scan before making any changes.
August 29, 2025
Appointment was all on time. The registration lady was very personable. Hemotologists were outstanding. Assessment lady was very good as well and the doctor was spot on. All in all I was very pleased.
August 21, 2025
Love the care and compassion of my care team
August 19, 2025
Always find courteous and helpful and friendly staff. I have been coming to this facility since it open in 2007 you have some of the best nurses and the best doctor. I'm prejudiced doctor Polkinghorn saved my life in 2015.
August 18, 2025
They are the best of the best. If only the hospital would adopt their kindness and caring..
August 13, 2025
Staff is wonderful and very caring! Dr p is the best
August 12, 2025
The quality of care is exceptional at the ACCC. The medical staff and administrative staff are almost always accommodating and are compassionate all the time.
August 06, 2025
The doctor didn't have my blood results to discuss . He didn't discuss me at all. Asked me why I was coming there instead of going to Boston. Left the room after 5 minutes then poked his head back in the door and said "have a good winter" and that was it! I said where is my blood work, to which he said I could get it on the portal. I said I'm not on the portal. He said he'd Mail it to me!
August 05, 2025
I believe what needs to be done is Dr. Polkinghorn needs to have more time to spend with his patients before we go into the treatment. He only takes 15 minutes and if it goes beyond that or starts to go beyond that, he's basically chewing his arm off trying to get to his next patient. I don't believe that is really in the best interest of a patient. I believe that a patient should have more time to discuss what is going on.
August 04, 2025
Dr. Polkinghorn is an absolutely amazing oncologist. He saved my life. Yeah, thank you.
July 30, 2025
I was very satisfy with my experience
July 28, 2025
I had a very good experience like I had in the past. The people are friendly with smiles and always able to help with whatever problem you have. I felt real confident with the staff and Dr I would recommend this place to anyone I know.
July 17, 2025
Everyone was extremely nice and helpful and friendly and caring
July 08, 2025
I was very pleased with Dr. Polkinghorn's comments and how attentive he was. And I was extremely pleased that he called my other doctor right there when I was there. And I was very pleased with the outcome and I was very pleased with his comments. And he's a very good doctor. I would recommend him and the whole entire staff to anybody who was going through this. Thank you.
July 08, 2025
Dr. P was great. I like his caring attitude. I wish there was another dr to help so he could have more time with his patients. He's great. He just needs another dr to help out with the patient load. I liked him very much.
July 01, 2025
I love Dr. Polkinghorn!
July 01, 2025
The facility expansion is nice and staff very helpful in directing.
June 27, 2025
I had a very good experience. Everything that I needed answered was answered. Everybody was very polite and very great at giving me any information I need and doing follow-ups. Thank you so much.
June 25, 2025
What wonderful facility. Wonderful doctor. Staff. Saved my life. Thank you.
June 25, 2025
My doctor and his team have my support always. I am lucky to have Dr. Polkinghorn.
June 11, 2025
I was disappointed that the provider didn't seem to know why I was there. I received instructions as to what to do if I have symptoms but I'm not clear as to whether to notify my primary provider or him. My primary referred me to him and my appointment arrived by email.
June 10, 2025
I feel blessed that I got Dr. Polkinghorn and the team. They're very kind, they're very good to me, and they're saving me. Thank you.
June 10, 2025
Everyone was very kind and caring
June 09, 2025
Yes, the team at the Cancer Center, including the radiation department, oncology, the whole group of them have been nothing but wonderful and caring to me. They make you feel as if they had known you all your life.
June 05, 2025
We absolutely love Dr. Polkinghorn and his staff! Everyone at the Cancer CenterI could not ask for
June 04, 2025
Wonderful team!
June 02, 2025
Team was very caring and professional.
May 23, 2025
I just feel that he wasn't there for me. And in the previous visit, a couple of previous visits, it was the same way. So most likely I won't be returning.
May 23, 2025
Yes, hello. Dr. Polkinghorn and all of his staff, nurses and reception personnel are just simply outstanding. They're very caring and compassionate. Dr. Polkinghorn always answers all my questions and is a wonderful oncologist. So I appreciate everything they've done for me through the years and look forward to them continuing, to my continuing coming there. So thank you very much.
May 22, 2025
I'm satisfied with the care, but more time with the provider would be helpful. Thanks a lot. Bye-bye.
May 21, 2025
Personnel always friendly, helpful and pleasant.
May 19, 2025
I'm very, very impressed over the years with Dr. Polkinghorne. He does a very good analysis and he's a very good communicator and I've been very satisfied and his helpers were also very good. And so it was a good experience. Thank you.
May 19, 2025
I had a c.t scan with contrast and blood work at same time..I had apt a couple days later to get results..I was referred out to a pulmanary specialist and the reason was just explained as enlarged lymphnodes and pebbles in my chest ,lungs,and stomach..I left wondering what this means .I felt rushed out a bit.Overall everyone was very professional and super nice and I will be returning ..
May 14, 2025
I really don't even know what to say. It was a very, very good experience. The doctor was wonderful, very kind, and everybody was wonderful. I went in there feeling hopeless, and I came out feeling a lot of hope. Thank you.
May 12, 2025
Best team ever!
May 12, 2025
Dr. Polkinghorn is very kind and informative .
May 12, 2025
Everyone at the Alfond Cancer Center is wonderful. Been going there for two years, travel 85 miles (one way!) and would never consider going anywhere else!!
May 12, 2025
Excellent
May 09, 2025
Previous to my appointment, a gentleman receptionist in the waiting room offered me a glass of water. I will never forget his kindness! I savoured the water. After many recent health struggles, I finally felt "human" for the first time in almost 2 months...
May 06, 2025
Dr. P and his team are absolutely amazing. There isn't a complaint in the world that I can put forth about these people. They're caring, they're warm, they've got hearts of gold. They've made my treatment that much more durable. Without them, I would not be here today. Thank you very much.
May 06, 2025
Dr. Polkinghorn and his team are top notch. Can't say enough about how great they have been with my treatment and ongoing care.
May 05, 2025
I am forever Grateful for the team saving my life and I am Blessed. Dr Polkinghorn is outstanding I wish all Drs could be like him
May 02, 2025
everything went well, love Dr. Polkinghorn he is awesome
May 02, 2025
Dr Polkinghorn is the best by far very friendly and professional
April 29, 2025
Need more doctors-they were behind as usual
April 25, 2025
I was grateful that this facility was not that far from my home and I would recommend it to anyone
April 22, 2025
Dr. Polkinghorn, Gari, and all the admissions staff on both floors At Harold Alfond Center were amazing! They helped me effortlessly navigate my way through all the renovations and came looking for me when I got lost!!! thank you so very much everyone!
April 21, 2025
I am so grateful for the care that I receive at the HACCC.
April 17, 2025
Even though the construction is still ongoing, I found it easy to get around. The staff were very nice and helpful, and Dr. Polkinghorn is super.
April 17, 2025
I feel the care team put me first in all things
April 14, 2025
Great staff, the best I've seen.
April 08, 2025
Yes, I was very pleased over the last five years of having treatment at your facility and with the doctor. Very happy, very pleased and would recommend your facility again and the doctor. Thank you.
April 07, 2025
I appreciated that the Morning Lab results were available to the doctor almost immediately making the appointment productive in real time.
April 02, 2025
I am so very blessed to have the best team and able to get treatment at The HACC. Support from Family, Dr Polkinghorn & staff is 100% Also, Dr Sen & radiologist, made me feel very comfortable. Asked all the questions & offered so much support & always there
February 26, 2025
Dr. Polkinghorn and staff alway
February 21, 2025
I hope they can get a new port. Mine has never worked!
February 19, 2025
I have every confidence that I will get the best care possible
February 18, 2025
The doctor was very informative and I would also give his name out to anybody that asked me who I went to and how I made out.
February 17, 2025
My meeting with Dr. Polkinghorn was excellent. Not enough time. I felt rushed out of his office. He headed for the door, grabbed the door knob, and was gone. I had more questions and there wasn't enough time for this follow-up appointment.
February 17, 2025
I am so thankful to have had my care at Alfond Center. Everyone there is so compassionate.
February 11, 2025
Friendly concerned providers.
February 10, 2025
Yes, I really like my conversation with Dr. Polkinghorn. I thought he was very forthright, and honest, and could tell me everything that was going on with my health. I appreciate his honesty and straightforwardness. Thank you.
February 07, 2025
Would like assistance getting up and down from the wheelchair and walking. I felt like maybe the assistant wasn't supposed to touch me. Luckily my husband was with me but he has a difficult time walking as well so couldn't be much help.
February 04, 2025
Excellent personnel and right on time!
January 31, 2025
Wonderful, caring people
January 30, 2025
Love Four Seasons & the Cancer center
January 30, 2025
I have been going to the Alfond Cancer for 2 years having had chemo and radiation. Everyone is so nice and I enjoy seeing them during my appointments. The only thing I would love to see, is if Dr. Polkinghorn could spend more time with his patients. 15 min sometimes is not enough time to ask questions and go over the patient's plan of care. We all love Dr. P, but would like a little more time with him. I know he is extremely busy, so this may not be possible! Thanks for listening!!
January 30, 2025
I received excellent care from all those who I came in contact with.
January 29, 2025
Everyone was very informative and extremely pleasant. I felt that they cared about me and that they felt confident in the plan that we discussed.
January 16, 2025
Protocols for follow up after treatment (scans) should be more frequent to catch recurrence quicker. It would help save lives.
January 15, 2025
I have always had superb care at the Harold Alfond Cancer Care Center.
January 13, 2025
It was a comfortable experience friendly staff
January 06, 2025
Wonderful and caring people !
December 17, 2024
A great bunch down there. Everybody helped me a lot. They all had a smile. Any questions I had, they'd answer. I can't say enough good about them. They're great people. And thank you very much.
December 17, 2024
Dr. P is great as well as his team. I'm very grateful. Thank you.
December 13, 2024
Dr Polkinghorn is an excellent Doctor and explains things very clearly
December 12, 2024
Yes, I'd just like to say that I enjoy being over there and the facility is very nice and the people are all very nice. I have no complaints over there at all. Thank you.
December 11, 2024
I have nothing but good things to say about this facility and the doctor and staff.
December 11, 2024
Great
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