
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults
- Adults 65 and up
Languages
- Russian
- English
Gender
FemaleAbout Irena Gribovskaja-Rupp
Irena G. Rupp, MD, is a board-certified colorectal surgeon at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina, where she serves as Division Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery. She is also a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia.
Born and raised in Estonia, Dr. Rupp is fluent in English and Russian and came to the United States as a high school exchange student. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her general surgery residency there, along with a research fellowship focused on colorectal nerve function. She then completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
Prior to joining Prisma Health in 2024, Dr. Rupp held multiple leadership roles at the University of Iowa, including Director of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program, Rectal Cancer Program Director, and Section Chief for Colon and Rectal Surgery. During her tenure, she advanced high-quality cancer care initiatives, contributed to national clinical research efforts and was instrumental in achieving national accreditation for rectal cancer care. She developed and followed a large cohort of non-operative rectal cancer patients. She participated in the largest study on surgical versus medical management of diverticulitis (COSMID) and successfully led a multidisciplinary team to lower colon surgical site infections across institution.
In Columbia, Dr. Rupp is building a comprehensive, patient-centered colorectal surgery program with the highest standards of care. Her clinical expertise includes colon, rectal and anal cancer surgery; inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis including J-pouch); diverticulitis; rectal prolapse; anorectal conditions (anal fistula, fissure, pilonidal disease, fecal incontinence); ostomy care and reversal; and colon cancer screening through diagnostic and screening colonoscopy. She has advanced expertise in open, laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques, including trans-anal minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Rupp is board-certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, among other professional organizations. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and lectures at the local, regional and national levels.
Video
Locations
- Prisma Health Colorectal Surgery – Taylor St.
- 1333 Taylor Street, Suite 5F, Columbia, SC 29201
- Get Directions
- phone: 803-748-9966
- fax: 803-748-7174
- Prisma Health Endoscopy Center–Parkridge
- 100 Palmetto Health Parkway, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29212
- Get Directions
- phone: 803-907-7881
- fax: 803-907-7899
- Prisma Health Colorectal Surgery–Northeast Medical Park
- 1120 Roberts Branch Parkway, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29203
- Get Directions
- phone: 803-748-9966
- fax: 803-748-7174
Expertise
Education
- Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
- Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin, Surgery (General Surgery)
- Fellowship: University of Minnesota, Colon & Rectal Surgery
Board Certifications
- Colon and Rectal Surgery: American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Insurance
- Absolute Total Care - Ambetter
- Absolute Total Care (Centene)
- Aetna
- Aetna Medicare
- Allwell Medicare - Absolute Total Care
- BCBS
- BCBS Blue Essentials
- BCBS PPC
- BCBSSC Blue Reedy Exchange Product (Upstate)
- BCBSSC State Health Plan (PEBA)
- BlueChoice Health Plan
- BlueChoice Medicaid - Healthy Blue
- BlueChoiceMyChoice Advantage
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Cigna
- Cigna Medicare
- Companion Benefit Alternatives
- CorVel Workers Compensation
- Evernorth Behavioral Health
- FirstHealth (Aetna)
- Healthy Connections
- Humana - Healthy Horizons
- Humana Choice Care
- Humana Medicare
- Liberty Advantage
- Logistics Health
- Magellan
- MedCost
- Medicare (Traditional Fee-for-Service)
- Molina
- Molina Medicaid
- Multiplan/PHCS
- NHC Advantage
- Optum Behavioral Health
- Promise Health Plan
- SC Medicaid Healthy Connections
- Select Health Medicare
- Select Heath (First Choice)
- Spectera
- TriCare
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network - VACCN
- Wellcare (Centene)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
142 ratings, 28 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is derived from patient surveys based on the likelihood to recommend this provider’s office.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/24/2026
Had a really good experience at Prisma Health. The doctor and nurses were very kind, professional, and helpful throughout the visit. They took time to listen, answered all questions clearly, and made me feel comfortable. The staff was caring and the overall service was excellent. Thank you to everyone for the great care and support.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2026
There is no improvement needed. Dr.Rupp was the greatest. It was a pleasure meeting and being seen by her. She is truly a gem. We could not have found a better Doctor. Thank you so very much for your kindness and attentiveness. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Rupp..
- 1 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2026
I will not be coming back to the Dr. I don't like what she said to me. I'm not comfortable with her. There's no need to return to her,when, she said, she can't do anything for me. What kind of doctor will, say, that to a patient. I am done, no more coming back to her at all. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2026
My daughter's surgeon is knowledgeable and professional. I have full trust in her. The staff was courteous and friendly as well. However, I am concerned with her being discharged too soon. I am unable to take her home afterwards and she is taken right back to the county program where she must sit on a hard chair in a loud room for 7 or 8 hours. I think she would heal much better if she could be cared for a week or two longer. Ty so much
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2026
Yeah, I was trying to get my health insurance on to y'all, but y'all ain't never called me back or acknowledged me or anything for my health insurance. I got my dental, but no health insurance. You give me a call back. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
My experience with Dr. IRENA and her staff was more than amazing. I am really happy to be treated by them! I trust them!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
Nothing comes to my mind. Everyone was respectful, kind and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2026
don't need any improvement.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
Everything was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
Everything was good, the just have to get my medical records, but I like ? my surgeon and Dr alot
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/27/2026
There is nothing else that could have been offered. The attention and care that Dr. Rupp and her staff provide is always great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
figured out miscommunication about mri recommendation
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Very nice visit, the doctor was very professional in explaining my situation and solutions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Continue the way that they are. Everything was lovely and professionally handled.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
No idea. I was very impressed by all the staff and my doctor made me feel comfortable. She was friendly, knowledgeable, I felt at ease with her immediately! The staff answered all my questions and I left feeling more hopeful for a good outcome!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/10/2026
I am very grateful for this visit... I have been dealing with the symptoms for a decade and I finally have some new options because Dr Rupp listened and offered me new options. I am highly satisfied and grateful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/10/2026
Your facility is world class. Wonderful, caring staff and physicians. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Dr. Gribovskaja and her team were absolutely amazing. She made an uncomfortable situation so comfortable and light hearted. I felt very safe with her!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/26/2025
That was my best experience in my life,doctor and nurse are beautiful people,and they make me feel I was in the best hands, the handle my problem very professionally,thank you very much they getting ??????????
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Better direction in the building of where to go
- 2 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Felt like everything was rushed. So don't, I don't know, there's been too many doctors and I felt like I was rushed through. Anyway, bye.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/28/2025
Continue doing a great job in patients care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2025
Doctor Rupp and all the staff connected with her for my surgery and followup procedure, were all very professional and informative and quick to listen to me and answer questions. I can't think of anything more they could have done.?
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Everything & everyone great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
No suggestions for improvement. This office is maintained as near perfection as anyone could hope to see.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2025
everything was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/11/2025
The whole office gets a 10 plus in my book. Their office is full of saints!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2025
I was treated with the utmost professional care from the time I was admitted to the hospital until I was discharged, and the care I received from Dr.Rupp and her entire team, along with the follow-up appointment was a great experience. Thanks so much!