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

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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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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 Certified 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. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

"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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Julie Meyer, DO

Dr. Meyer is passionate about all aspects of women’s health. Whether it’s seeing a young woman nervous for her first annual exam, experiencing the highs and lows of a pregnancy with a new mom or guiding a woman through the challenges of menopause, Dr. Meyer thrives off variety. She says the most satisfying part of her job is listening to a woman’s concerns, truly understanding what she values and making a tailored plan that meets her goals. 

 

Identifying musculoskeletal pains of pregnancy and conducting minimally invasive surgeries as well as laparoscopic surgeries are also a few of Dr. Meyer’s passions. Outside of work, Dr. Meyer enjoys time with her husband and children. She loves reading and outdoor activities like skiing, camping, swimming and hiking. 

 

Dr. Meyer completed her Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is also a Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

"A woman’s birth story is an amazing experience that I am honored and privileged to be a part of. I love getting to know a woman and helping her through the pregnancy journey. There is nothing like delivering a baby and seeing the expressions of joy and love that accompany the birth of a child. It is a special sacred feeling to be part of the birth experience and one that I am deeply honored to be a part of."
Julie Meyer, DO
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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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Pa Kou Thao, APNP

Pa Kou Thao joined Women’s Health Specialists in 2019.  Pa Kou has over 10 years of labor and delivery experience as a nurse before advancing her degree.  She has worked in providing care for women of all stages in life with a focus on gynecology.  Her clinical areas of expertise include wellness exams, adolescent health, pregnancy planning, contraception, perimenopause/menopausal issues, and treating acute gynecologic problems. Pa Kou received a Master of Science in Nursing from Concordia University of Wisconsin, Mequon, WI. She is certified by American Nurses Credentialing Center for Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a State of Wisconsin Licensed Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber. 

Pa Kou Thao, APNP
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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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