“For over 35 years we have set a high standard of professional excellence for physicians and staff. Our patients can be assured that industry changes, such as managed care, will never cause us to compromise our high standards.”
Robert O’Keefe, MD, FACOGDr. O’Keefe completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University Hospital at Stony Brook where he was awarded the prestigious “Most Outstanding Resident Award”. He is a fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is among the first in the United States to be recertified by the American Board of Ob/Gyn. Dr. O’Keefe has been with our practice since 1984, caring for high-risk obstetric patients and performing many major and minor gynecologic procedures. He has a special interest in laparoscopic surgery and is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Dr. O’Keefe is an assistant clinical professor in the medical school at Stony Brook and is active in training young physicians.
Jeffrey Porte, MD, FACOGUpon graduating with his medical degree from the University of Washington in 1978, Dr. Porte came to SUNY Stony Brook for his residency in obstetrics and gynecology where he earned the Resident of the Year Award in both 1984 and 1986. He has remained in the Stony Brook healthcare system ever since, including a two-year stint as a clinical assistant professor in Stony Brook’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Porte has been with our practice since 1986, where his expertise has been an essential part of the experience, we provide at Stony Brook Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Julie Welischar, MD, FACOGDr. Welischar has been an experienced member of the medical staff at Stony Brook Gynecology and Obstetrics since 2003. She has been a part of the Stony Brook University system right out of high school, graduating with magna cum laude honors with her bachelor of science in biology. With the exception of one year performing a residency at New York Medical College, Dr. Welischar has been a mainstay in Stony Brook healthcare schools and medical facilities her entire medical career and remains an integral part of Stony Brook Gynecology and Obstetrics. As a result, she has developed long-standing, friendly relationships with her patients, ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible. Dr. Welischar’s fields of expertise include laparoscopic hysterectomy, surgery, the treatment of stress incontinence and adolescent gynecology.
Melanie Van Sise, MD, FACOGAfter graduating from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in human development, Dr. Van Sise moved to Long Island where she studied medicine at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She completed her residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital where she served as administrative chief resident in the obstetrics and gynecology program. During residency, she was recognized with the Golden Scalpel Award for excellence in surgery, the William J. Mann, M.D. Pathology Award, the Inspire Education Award, and the Martin L. Stone, M.D. Resident of the Year Award. Dr. Van Sise also has a particular interest in research and is published in the prestigious journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology. She serves as a research mentor to Ob/Gyn residents at Stony Brook and believes that education and mentorship are an integral part of advancing women’s health. Dr. Van Sise has been with Stony Brook Gynecology and Obstetrics since 2003 and is an integral part of our practice.
Amy DeMarco, MD, FACOGDr. DeMarco graduated cum laude with a degree in neuroscience from Colgate University and completed her premedical training at Columbia University. She then went on to complete both her medical and resident training at Stony Brook University Medical Center. During her residency, she was recognized with the Medical Student Teaching Award as well as the Heart of Midwifery Award for her dedication to women’s health and wellness. In her final year as a resident, she was recognized with the Richard J. Scotti Urogynecology Award. She has been with our practice since 2017 and has also been actively involved in clinical research, presenting her work at regional conferences of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Johanna Halfon, MD, FACOGDr. Halfon is a recent addition to the Stony Brook community. She received her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Columbia University-NewYork Presbyterian Hospital. She pursued a global health fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, living in Rwanda to research maternal mortality from cesarean section infections and earning a Master of Science in global health. Her research was presented at multiple, national scientific conferences including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. She returned to Columbia Ob/Gyn faculty practice after her fellowship, becoming actively involved in resident education and quality improvement projects in her department. Through all of her experiences, she has developed a deep commitment to health equity and to providing excellent care to her patients from adolescence through menopause. She has a particular interest in cervical cancer screening, office hysteroscopy and laparoscopic surgery.
Farzana Alekseyeva, DODr. Alekseyeva is a recent addition to our team. She specializes in patient education and helping women understand and care for their bodies at every stage of life, from adolescence to pregnancy to menopause. Her patient-centered approach allows her patients to feel informed and heard. She ensures that each patient's individual needs are met.
Dr. Alekseyeva received her medical degree at the New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ.
Jeannelle Chaperon, CNM, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. While working as a pediatric nurse, she attended school to pursue a degree as a midwife. She attained her Master's Degree in Nurse-Midwifery from New York University. For most of her career as a board-certified nurse midwife, she worked at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.
Jeannelle believes in providing women with a safe space to not only be comfortable with their providers but to allow them the opportunity to be a part of their own care. She wants her patients to know that their concerns are heard and to guide them in making informed decisions for themselves and their health.
Debra Morgan, NPDebra Morgan is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner. She graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing from Adelphi University and began her career at Long Island Jewish Hospital on the gynecology unit. Working there ignited her passion for caring for women. She went on to work in the postpartum unit at Stony Brook University Hospital and then transitioned to working in the outpatient Ob/Gyn office setting. Debra has been with our practice since 1999, during which she pursued her graduate degree, becoming a women’s health nurse practitioner. Debra feels it is her privilege to care for, educate and support women through all phases of their lives.
Lindsay Tito, NPLindsay Tito is one of our board-certified women’s health nurse practitioners. She started her career as a pediatric nurse but women’s health has always been her passion so she transferred to labor and delivery and started working with our doctors in the delivery room. Lindsay obtained her master's degree at Stony Brook University and began working with us as a nurse practitioner in the office in 2009. Lindsay truly enjoys teaching girls and women at all points of the reproductive spectrum the value of taking care of themselves in a caring and respectful way. She also loves spending time with families during prenatal visits. Her commitment to her patients is truly evident in all she does.
Christine Martorana, NPChristine Martorana is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner. She graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and early on decided to focus on women’s health. She continued her education at Penn, earning her master's degree in women’s health in 2000. Christine worked at Ob/Gyn practices in Manhattan and Nassau before joining us in 2017. Christine is dedicated to caring for women at all stages of their lives – from their very first exam as an adolescent through pregnancy and menopause- with compassion and an in-depth understanding of women’s unique needs.
Barbara Reed, Practice Administrator
Barbara joined our practice in 2007 as a part-time medical receptionist. Over the years, her passion for helping people and desire to learn enabled her to move into a management position, where she excelled as a natural leader. The longstanding relationships Barbara upholds with the providers, staff, and patients are what set her apart from the rest. In her free time, Barbara enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family both here and in New Hampshire.
Remembering Mark Ian Funt, MD, FACOG (1948 - 2023)
Dr. Funt received his medical training at The Emory University School of Medicine. He was an assistant professor at The Yale University School of Medicine until he left to become chief of gynecology and director of resident education at Stony Brook University. In 1982, he founded Stony Brook Gynecology and Obstetrics, P.C. with the idea of providing healthcare to women with the highest standards. His vast knowledge of gynecology was second to none; he lectured across the country on topics of urogynecology and menopause. Dr. Funt received numerous awards throughout his career, including Attending of the Year and has been recognized several times for his outstanding patient care.