Vincent A. Pellegrini, M.D.
Stephen H. Fehnel, M.D.
Tonie C. Crandall, M.D.
Jean M. Payer, M.D.
John J. Dougherty, M.D.
Shahab S. Minassian, M.D.
Elizabeth L. Dierking, M.D.
Neena Agarwala, M.S., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
George L. Sexton Jr., M.D.
Sheldon Schlaff, M.D.

Vincent A. Pellegrini, M.D.

Dr. Vincent Pellegrini, originally from Philadelphia, graduated from Saint Joseph's Prep in 1966, Saint Joseph's College in 1970 and Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in 1974. He finished his OB/GYN Residency in 1978 at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia. He then joined Women's Clinic, Ltd. in Reading, Pennsylvania with the expressed plan of developing a major infertility center at the office. He is now President of the Corporation and Clinical Director of its In Vitro Fertilization program.

Dr. Pellegrini was the Coordinator for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Residency Training at the Reading Hospital Medical Center in Reading, Pennsylvania from 1986-2005. He also served as the Chief of the Section of Gynecology of Reading Hospital from 2000-2003.

Dr. Pellegrini is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, the Philadelphia Area Reproductive Endocrine Society and The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia. He is certified by the American College of Radiologists to interpret gynecologic and obstetrical ultrasounds. He practiced Obstetrics until 1991 at which point his practice was fully dedicated to fertility and endocrinology issues.

Dr. Pellegrini was the President of The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia in 1999-2000 and of the Philadelphia Area Reproductive Endocrine Society in 2004-2005. He has also been very active in the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Most recently, he served as Chair of ACOG District III (PA, NJ, DE) from 2001 to 2004. He has received the ACOG President's Community Service Award and the Award for Outstanding District Service. He is listed in the "The Best Doctor's in America" from 1996 tp present. Dr. Pellegrini is an active member of PCOStrategies, Inc., an advocacy group for PCOS.

Dr. Pellegrini married his wife Susan, a graduate of Villanova University in Philadelphia, in 1971. They have two children: his daughter in San Francisco with two children and his son, with companies in Boston among other entrepreneurial pursuits internationally. Dr. Pellegrini has always had a special interest in photography. His images decorate the office.

Stephen H. Fehnel, M.D.

Dr. Stephen H. Fehnel graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1973 and Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in 1977. He finished his OB/GYN residency in 1981 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Fehnel then joined Women's Clinic, Ltd. in Reading in 1981. He is now the Treasurer of the Corporation and Medical Director of Advanced Clinical Concepts, which is a research subsidiary of Women's Clinic, Ltd. dedicated to advancing clinical research.

Dr. Fehnel remains an active member of the Section of Gynecology at the Reading Hospital. He practiced obstetrics until 2001.

Dr. Fehnel is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Fehnel is certified by the American College of Radiologists to interpret gynecologic and obstetrical ultrasounds. He is also certified by the American Society of Clinical Densitometrists to interpret bone densitometry studies for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Dr. Fehnel has advanced training in pelvic surgery for the treatment of urinary bladder incontinence and pelvic floor and rectal dysfunction due to pelvic floor prolapse.

In addition, Dr. Fehnel has brought to Women's Clinic, Ltd. the skills of in-office laser treatment for removal of unsightly hair and leg veins. Dr. Fehnel has been working with Dr. Pellegrini in the Fertility Division at Women's Clinic, Ltd. for many years.

Tonie C. Crandall, M.D.

Dr. Crandall joined Women's Clinic, Ltd. in 1985. She practices a full-spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology, including high-risk obstetrics, office gynecology, gynecologic surgery, colposcopy, menopausal management and osteoporosis prevention and management.

Because of her personal experience — twin daughters—Dr. Crandall also has a special interest in multiple-fetal pregnancies.

Board certified in her specialty, Dr. Crandall is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A native of Lewiston, Maine, she earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from Bates College, and her Medical Degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston in 1981. Her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology occurred at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Dr. Crandall and her husband Stephen live in the Reading area with their son and two daughters.

Jean M. Payer, M.D.

Jean M. Payer was born in 1960, the second of six children, this fact stimulating an obvious interest in obstetrics and gynecology. A high school teacher in her 12th grade advanced biology class guided her entrance to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After a BA degree in Biology, and wonderful side courses in Psychology and Ornithology, she returned to her home state for four years at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School. The original interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology never wavered, and for residency training she returned to Philadelphia at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

The finishing of the 4-year residency in 1989 was punctuated by marriage to Brian K. Stoltzfus, a mechanical engineer from Penn State University. With his family in Lancaster County, Berks County became the desired "between" spot, and Women's Clinic, Ltd. the ideal practice to join, offering superb quality and superb patient care.

Over the next several years, Dr. Payer enjoyed the wonderful patient care at this practice, both personally and professionally, with three healthy sons born in 1992, 1995, and 1998. She remains involved in full time clinical practice, is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is a member of ACOG, AMA, BCMS, AOA, and ISCD.

In her home life she enjoys reading, gardening, music, cooking, jogging with the kids and occasional cycling. She is most grateful to her professional partners for their unwavering support and dedication to excellent patient care, and to her husband, Brian, who has been equally dedicated to the care and well being of their children and family.

John J. Dougherty, M.D.

After practicing in Virginia for 5 years, Dr. Dougherty and his family relocated to Pennsylvania.  He joined Women's Clinic, Ltd. in 2005 and in 2008 he became a partner in the corporation.  His goal is to provide a full range of obstetric and gynecologic services with a special interest in laparoscopy, minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery and high-risk obstetrics.

Dr. Dougherty is Board Certified and a Fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is also a member of AAGL - American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists to help promote minimally invasive surgical options for patients.  He is a graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in Molecular Biology. Dr. Dougherty earned his medical degree at Hahnemann University and completed his OB/GYN residency at the Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey.

Dr. Dougherty has a special interest in triathlons and competes regularly. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and four busy children.

Shahab S. Minassian, M.D.

Dr. Shahab Minassian joined the IVF-Fertility Division of Women's Clinic, Ltd. in Reading, PA. in September 2007. Dr. Minassian is one of only 900 board-certified infertility specialists in the U.S.

Dr. Minassian is Section Chief for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center and is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a Reproductive Endocrinologist. He has over 25 years of experience in the field and has treated thousands of patients for infertility.

Dr. Minassian is a graduate of LaSalle University in 1976 and received his M.D. degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in 1980. He then completed a residency in OB/GYN at Abington Memorial Hospital in 1984 and a board-accredited fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Jefferson University Hospital in 1986.

A noted infertility surgeon, Dr. Minassian was the first in the Philadelphia area to perform a tubal reversal by robotic surgery. He directed the Division of Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, MCP/Hahnemann School of Medicine, and at Drexel University College of Medicine for over 20 years. During this time he was responsible for the Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology education of thousands of medical students and over 120 residents. For this effort he was awarded the prestigious APGO Award for Teaching Excellence in Medical Education by the Association of Professors of OB/GYN, and was twice awarded the Dean's Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching.

As the former Co-Director of the nationally recognized Center for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at Drexel, he is an acknowledged PCOS expert with special expertise in the relationship between infertility and PCOS. He is a founding member and the first Chair of the Androgen Excess (PCOS) Special Interest Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. He has won numerous teaching and clinical awards in this field, and has published numerous research article and abstracts.

Dr. Minassian is a member of many regional, national and international medical societies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology, Society of Reproductive Surgeons, Philadelphia Area Reproductive Endocrine Society, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics and The Philadelphia Obstetrical Society.

Dr. Minassian has been named a Top Doc in Women's Health, Infertility" by Philadelphia Magazine.

Dr. Minassian and his wife Joanne enjoy martial arts and athletics, and family life with their two sons.

Elizabeth L. Dierking, M.D.

Dr. Dierking received her Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University with Minors in Spanish and Chemistry. She earned her Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and will complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the New York University School of Medicine in June. Dr. Dierking's resident training has been at the NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City.

Dr. Dierking is married to Patrick McAtee and they have recently relocated to the Reading area.

Neena Agarwala, M.S., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

After serving as a faculty member for over 7 years, starting as an Assistant Professor in October 2002 and then promoted to Associate Professor and Division Director of Urogynecology and Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery, in the Department of Ob/Gyn at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Dr. Agarwala is returning to Pennsylvania to join Women's Clinic, Ltd. in June 2010.

Dr. Agarwala is Fellowship Trained and specializes in complex laparoscopic and robotic procedures with a special emphasis on Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction. Dr. Agarwala's practice is in Gynecology and Urogynecology only. Her goal is to provide a full range of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery services including treatment for stress/urge incontinence, chronic urinary track infections, interstitial cystitis and pelvic organ prolapse. She is trained to manage pelvic pain and other GYN related diagnoses with her interest and experience in minimally invasive surgery, both robotic and advanced laparoscopy surgery. She is very experienced with Robotic hysterectomies, myomectomies and extensive endometriosis treatment.

Dr. Agarwala is Board Certified and a Fellow in the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a Master of Science degree in molecular biology and her M.D. degree at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Agarwala completed her OB/GYN residency at Penn State Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA. Dr. Agarwala continued her training in Chattanooga, TN under the direction of Dr. C. Y. Liu where she obtained an American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy (AAGL) and Society of Reproductive Medicine (SRM) Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic and Urogynecological Surgery.

Dr. Agarwala has been an active member of national and international professional societies and has been honored with clinical and residency teaching awards. She has published articles in several medical journals and co-wrote a book on life sciences. Dr. Agarwala is well versed in giving presentations to physician colleagues, residents and patients alike. Having spent a decade in clinical medicine, teaching and research, she is an academic by nature but her personality is warm and inviting. Please help us welcome Dr.. Neena Agarwala to the Women's Clinic, Ltd. family.

George L. Sexton Jr., M.D.

Dr. Sexton is one of the founding fathers of the Women's Clinic, Ltd. and we are fortunate to have him with us today, practicing medicine the way he did starting in 1957.

Dr. Sexton is Board Certified and a Fellow in the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. After completing high school, Dr. Sexton served in the United States Navy. He continued his education and graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in Chemistry. Dr. Sexton earned his Medical Degree at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and completed his OB/GYN residency at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

Dr. Sexton specializes in uro-gynecology and pelvic floor dysfunction. He performs many in-office bladder studies and biofeedback procedures to diagnose and treat urinary incontinence and prolapse.

He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Pat, and being out on the water enjoying some relaxation and fishing.

Sheldon Schlaff, M.D.

Sheldon Schlaff, M.D. is director of the Fertility Medical Laboratory, the chemistry and embryology laboratory of the Fertility & IVF program at Women's Clinic, Ltd. He attended Columbia University for his undergraduate degree and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis for his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Barnes Hospital, the teaching hospital of Washington University. Further postgraduate training included 4.5 years at the National Institutes of Health which included 2 years as a Clinical Associate at the Clinical Endocrinology Branch of the Arthritis and Metabolic Institute & 2.5 years as a Research Fellow at the Lab of Chemical Biology in protein chemistry.

He then joined the Thomas Jefferson University Medical School faculty in the Endocrinology Division where he performed research on the chemistry of hCG, a hormone necessary for pregnancy, and developed immunoassays for both hCG and GnRH, a brain hormone necessary for fertility. Following this, he joined the Pennsylvania Hospital staff in Philadelphia and started the Pennsylvania Endocrine Laboratory as a clinical resource & maintained a clinical endocrinology practice with faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania.

Drs. Pellegrini and Schlaff worked on projects together including use of a brain peptide hormone infusion (GnRH) to induce pregnancy and helped set up the Fertility Medical Laboratory at the Women's Clinic, Ltd. in 1987 as laboratory director. We are very proud of the professional quality & patient focused orientation of our laboratory and clinical services.

Dr. Schlaff served as President of the Philadelphia Endocrine Society, he is a current member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and has published peer reviewed papers and textbook chapters on basic endocrine research, clinical endocrinology and fertility-oriented topics. The American Board of Internal Medicine certifies Dr. Schlaff in both Internal Medicine and Diabetes and Metabolism specialties.

Dr. Schlaff married his wife Rena, a former Seattle native, in 1968 and is the proud father of two wonderful daughters. One is an inspiring teacher and the other a caring attorney.