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Our Doctor-Nurse teams work with women to educate and empower them to make the best health decisions possible.
Our Doctor-Nurse teams work with women to educate and empower them to make the best health decisions possible.
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Ernesto Acosta, MD

Dr. Acosta maintains a busy obstetrical service providing pregnancy care. In addition, he has a particular interest in vaginal surgery and reconstructive repair. He integrates advanced surgical skills with innovative techniques in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

  • Residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Chicago’s Columbus Hospital in affiliation with Northwestern University Medical School
  • Practicing in the Fox Cities since 1982
  • Board certified in OB/GYN
  • A fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
"I bring a holistic approach to pregnancy management, encouraging mothers to be proactive in their care."

“Dr. Acosta is very committed to his patients. He always takes the time to answer my questions and puts my mind at ease. As an expectant mother, I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor.”

-Renee Hanson

Ernesto Acosta, MD
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Jeffery Cherney, MD

Dr. Cherney is a specialist in all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, focusing on minimally invasive surgery and ultrasound.

  • Director of Medical Ultrasound, Women’s Health Specialists
  • Chair, Dept. of OB/GYN, Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center
  • Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine
  • Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin
  • Internship in General Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois
  • Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan State University
  • Board certified in OB/GYN
"The birth of a child is a miracle, and I am truly honored that my patients place their trust in me and our team of professionals to provide the absolute best in medical care. We treat every patient with the kindness and care we would want for our own family members. We listen to each patient’s concerns and together find the best treatment options for her."

“When looking for a physician, I wanted to find someone who would be as invested in my health as I was. I got lucky finding Dr. Cherney! I have been a patient of his for 13 years and he delivered all five of my babies. The care I’ve received from him, from his nurse Mary, as well as the other staff at Women’s Health Specialists was always outstanding. I felt as if I were treated more like a friend or family member than like a patient! Dr. Cherney is an excellent listener and communicator. His calming bedside manner and patience when answering all of my many questions helped me through each of my pregnancies. His thoroughness as a physician gave me piece of mind, and he has always been proactive when dealing with potential issues that arose. It was a joy to entrust him with my care and that of each of my unborn babies. If you are looking for a doctor that will listen and communicate with you while practicing excellence in medicine, you will not be disappointed in Dr. Cherney.”

-Amy Betters-Midtvedt

Jeffery Cherney, MD
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April Herbst, MD

Dr. Herbst chose Obstetrics and Gynecology knowing that she specifically wanted to treat women and their diverse and multifaceted needs in all stages of life.  Dr. Herbst is comfortable treating complex medical problems regarding women’s health, with a special interest in high risk obstetrics, minimally invasive robotics and laparoscopy.  She treats every patient as if they are her family; with the dignity and respect they deserve.

 

Dr. Herbst is Board Eligible in Obstetrics and Gynecology and received her Medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.  She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, in association with Orlando Health.

"In order to care for a woman’s medical concerns, it is important to address the entire woman in a holistic approach. I love the opportunity to educate and empower women regarding their healthcare decisions, and to be their advocate and support system when they need it."
April Herbst, MD
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Jill Honkamp, MD

Dr. Honkamp is dedicated to the full spectrum of a woman’s health care needs, including both low and high-risk obstetrics as well as gynecologic surgery. She has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery including total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Dr. Honkamp is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa. She completed her OB/GYN residency at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been in private practice since 1995. Dr. Honkamp is a member of the American College of OB/GYN, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and a clinical faculty member of the University of Wisconsin – Fox Valley Family Practice.

"I believe in providing compassionate and personalized care to women from adolescence to menopause and beyond. It is my privilege to educate patients so they can actively participate in their care and treatment."

“When I think about what I want in a physician, I want someone that is caring and compassionate. When I started working with Dr. Honkamp, that’s exactly what I got, and more. I feel like she’s my mother, honestly concerned about my situation, and genuinely cares about me.”

-Maria Laubenstein

Jill Honkamp, MD
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Kelly Kennedy, MD

While Dr. Kennedy has a passion for obstetrics, the entire realm of women’s health care is fascinating to her because it’s an opportunity to build a relationship with patients from adolescence through menopause and beyond.  She also has a special interest in minimally invasive surgeries and the health factors that can affect fertility.

 

Dr. Kennedy is Board Eligible in Obstetrics and Gynecology and received her Medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which provided her with specialized training in obstetrics.  She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York.

"I strive to work alongside women as their health care advocate, providing the education and options they need to be proactive in their care."
Kelly Kennedy, MD
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James O'Leary, MD

Dr. James V. O’Leary is a graduate of Loyola Strich School of Medicine in Chicago. He completed an internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and for the next three years served in different medical capacities within the military system. His duties included: general medical officer, emergency room physician, and finishing his military obligation with the 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California. Dr. O’Leary received a Certificate of Commendation from F.X. Hamilton, Jr., Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps, for superior performance of duty while serving as the Medical Doctor. “Lieutenant O’Leary’s exceptional professional ability, initiative, and loyal dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Medical Corps, and the United States Naval Service.”

Dr. O’Leary completed his Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. He is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.

Dr. O’Leary enjoys all aspects of women’s health care including low and high risk obstetrics, laparoscopic surgery, infertility and all gynecologic surgery. Dr. O’Leary has a special interest in urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse.

“I was referred to Dr. O’Leary for my second child. From my first visit, I was very comfortable. I had a scary and difficult first labor so he kept a good eye on me. I ended up with an emergency C-section in which he still made me comfortable during this difficult time. Thanks to Dr. O’Leary and his staff, we ended up with a healthy baby girl. This year, I needed a hysterectomy. As usual Dr. O’Leary explained thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. I was never nervous knowing he and his staff were caring for me. All went well and I had exceptional care. I would refer Dr. O’Leary and staff to anyone. He is genuinely kind, sincere and passionate about his work and his patients well being.”

-Becky Bornemann

James O'Leary, MD
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Elina Pfaffenbach, MD

Dr. Pfaffenbach enjoys all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology and has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, pelvic organ prolapse and robotic surgery.

Dr. Pfaffenbach is the medical director for Family Fertility, a program of Women’s Health Specialists.

Dr. Pfaffenbach received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Pfaffenbach is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) and American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. She previously practiced as an OB/GYN in the United States Army in both North Carolina and Tennessee.

Dr. Pfaffenbach and her husband have four children and a dog. In her free time she enjoys being with her family, running, kayaking and cooking.

"Compassion, trust, respect and honesty are the key values in my relationship with my patient. I believe that every birth is a miracle and I am honored to share this amazing experience!  I thoroughly enjoy practicing both obstetrics and gynecology.  I strive to be there for my patient on her journey through life and I am grateful for the privilege of being her doctor!"

“A friend of mine recommended Dr. Pfaffenbach and she really turned my world around. I have Crohn’s disease and other doctors had told me I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant. Dr. Pfaffenbach carefully monitored my Crohn’s disease, worked closely with my doctor in Milwaukee and personally called me numerous times throughout each of my four pregnancies. I always felt comfortable with her.”

-Joanne Bunnell

Elina Pfaffenbach, MD
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Tina Ramsey, MD

Dr. Ramsey received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Joseph Hospital, in association with Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. She became board certified in November of 2002.

 

"I enjoy partnering with my patients. It is important to provide women with the information that they need to make appropriate choices for their health care. I enjoy all areas of obstetrics and gynecology, especially the general health care needs of women."

“Throughout my pregnancy, Dr. Ramsey took precautions when needed, always treated my husband and I with respect, and allowed us to participate in the birth plan for the day we would deliver. She took time to answer all of our questions and gave thorough, unhurried, explanations. As a parent herself, she was able to reference, not only her medical training, as well as her own experience when we had concerns. We loved being included in decisions and felt our baby was safe and well cared for under Dr. Ramsey’s proactive care. After the birth of a healthy daughter, we look forward to working with Dr. Ramsey again in the future.”

-Shana Joseph-Lucht

Tina Ramsey, MD
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Amy Schmidt, MD

Dr. Schmidt attended University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at University of Colorado Health Science Center. She had been the lead physician in the Department of Ob/Gyn at Fairview Red Wing medical center since 2009.

Along with general and high risk obstetrics, Dr. Schmidt has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery (including advance laparoscopy and operative hysteroscopy), cervical dysplasia and HPV, and basic infertility evaluation and management.

"I view the doctor/patient relationship as a partnership. It is my job to listen to and assess a patient and counsel her about her management options.  It is your job to ask questions and ultimately make decisions about your health care."

“The staff at Women’s Health Specialists has been wonderful through both of my pregnancies. They go above and beyond to make your experience unique. I chose Dr. Schmidt because it was important to me that my doctor had children so that she could be more empathic to my situation. My son was due during the 2012 holidays and I wanted to be sure that the doctor I spent 40 weeks getting to know would be the person in the room with me for my delivery, and she was!”
-Bridget Thorpe-Kavanaugh

Amy Schmidt, MD
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Connie Masak, APNP

Connie Masak has been with Women’s Health Specialists since 1991, participating in the health and wellness of women adolescence through menopause. Originally from the Chicago area, she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kendall College and has lived in Appleton with her husband and children since 1988. She is certified in women’s health by the National Certification Corporation and is licensed as an Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP) by the state of Wisconsin. Outside of the office, she enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family.

Connie Masak, APNP
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Wanda Vander Wyst, PA-C

Wanda Vander Wyst is originally from Appleton and has provided patient care for women-adolescence through menopause with Women’s Health Specialists since 1990. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree as a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physician Assistant Program. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a licensed physician assistant with the state of Wisconsin. Professionally she is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Away from the office she enjoys family and community activities.

Wanda Vander Wyst, PA-C
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Ellen Savage, MD

Dr. Ellen Savage is a native of Appleton, WI. She went to the Medical College of Wisconsin and then on to her General Surgery Residency at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. She served with the Air Force for 12 years in South Dakota, Italy and Turkey. After working for a short time at Berlin Memorial Hospital (Wisconsin) she came to Women’s Health Specialists where she assists in the OR with C Sections and larger cases.

With her warm personality, you’ll be in good hands with Dr. Ellen Savage.

"I know what it feels like to have had major surgery. I’m committed to doing whatever is good for the patient – helping her be comfortable, keeping her warm, and working with the team to make the surgery go smoothly."
Ellen Savage, MD

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