Residents
Third-Year Residents
Oliver Benes, M.D.
University of Cincinnati
I did my medical training at the University of Cincinnati, then chose to do my residency at St. Elizabeth because of the wonderful faculty and staff, as well as the strong obstetrics training. I hope to stay at St. Elizabeth for another year following my graduation from the residency program to do fellowship training in obstetrics.
Elizabeth Fischer, M.D.
Ponce School of Medicine
I’m a local girl from a big family in Taylor Mill and I still have many ties to Northern Kentucky. I attended Holy Cross High School and graduated from the University of Kentucky, where I studied biology and Spanish.
I’m passionate about my Mexican heritage and lived and studied in Mexico. I have also been very involved in Kentucky’s Hispanic community through work as an English language instructor and translator in the University of Kentucky emergency department. I even went back to Mexico for several years, where I met fellow resident, Angel Velazquez, and we both finished our medical degrees at Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico.
I chose family medicine for the diversity of patients and medical conditions seen daily. I truly believe the program at St. Elizabeth is the best around because of the great experiences we all have and because of the people we work with everyday.
Suzanne Kress, M.D.
University of Louisville
My husband, Andy and I are excited to be back in Northern Kentucky. I’m from Cold Spring, here in Campbell County, and attended Bishop Brossart High School. I graduated from Thomas More College and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. St. Elizabeth’s program is an ideal fit for my personality and lifestyle. I especially appreciate the community environment this program offers and I’m glad to be back home.
Bethany Lucas, M.D.
University of Louisville
I’m an Eastern Kentucky transplant, originally from Flatwoods near Ashland. I graduated from Georgetown College and the University of Louisville College of Medicine. I also spent the last two years training in Madisonville, Kentucky.
I really enjoy living in this area. It has a nice small-town feel, but you can still enjoy all the amenities of big- city life. I am currently single with no children, unless you count cats, of which I have two.
In my free time I read, crochet, watch movies, and spend time with friends. This is a wonderful place to be. In fact, I stopped interviewing once I came here. I simply knew I wouldn’t be happy anywhere else.
If you’re interested in talking to me more about the program, please drop me an e-mail at betney80@hotmail.com. I’d be more than happy to spill my guts and tell you all the deep, dark secrets about residency!
Melonie Proctor, D.O.
Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine
I’m a native of Lexington, Ky. - home of UK basketball and fast horses. I graduated from Transylvania University, then worked as an emergency medical technician for a year before traveling back to complete my medical degree with the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine.
I chose St. Elizabeth Family Practice because I could not imagine going anywhere else. This program has a great balance between obstetrics, medicine, and pediatrics. I knew the moment I walked in the door that it was the right place for me.
But, another great asset of the program is that it incorporates the business aspect of medicine. And, where else can you be on a surgery rotation, taking call for pediatrics and see your private patients in the ICU, all in one day? To me that is the true definition of family practice, and I love every minute of it.
I also have interests in adolescent medicine and well-woman care. In my free time, I like to take pictures, travel and spend time with friends and family. Eventually, I hope to join a small-town practice outside a big city.
Kevin Sellers, M.D.
Ohio State University
I grew up in Greater Cincinnati, in Loveland. I graduated with a degree in biochemistry from Notre Dame (Go Irish!) and received my medical degree at the Ohio State University (Go Bucs!). I chose family practice for continuity of care and the ability to work with patients of all ages.
Everyone I am working with at St. Elizabeth – from attending and staff to my fellow residents - really enjoys being here. It is a true community. And the training is great because the program is unopposed, so you get to do all the procedures, deliveries, newborn resuscitation, lines, and the like.
When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son. I enjoy college football, basketball, the National Football League and Major League Baseball. I also help run a bible study group and enjoy running, and I’m especially interested in the fields of bioethics and infertility.
Heidi Sharp, M.D.
University of Kentucky
I am so glad to be able to continue my medical training here at St. Elizabeth because I’m a Northern Kentucky native. After attending Simon Kenton High School, I majored in psychology at Georgetown College and went to medical school at the University of Kentucky. I loved Lexington and the UK Wildcats, but was glad to move back home, closer to family and friends.
I married my high school sweetheart, Danny, had a beautiful daughter and we now live in Erlanger with our two boxers, Chesney and Paisley. And yes, they are named after Kenny and Brad.
It has definitely been an exciting experience thus far at St. Elizabeth. I’ve already handled code situations, intubations, central lines, and deliveries. I’m very happy here and would love to answer any questions you have about the family residency program here. Just contact me at hlhs_4@hotmail.com.
Monica Sullivan, M.D.
University of Cincinnati
I am originally from Zanesville, Ohio, a small town known only for the Y-Bridge and cattle on the football field in the off-season. I graduated with a degree in psychology from Kent State University and received my medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
I married my husband, Rob, a west-side native, and we live in the city with our two cats, Othello and Iago (Yes, we love Shakespeare). We enjoy watching the big annual end-of-summer fireworks show over the Ohio River right from our living room windows. But mostly we like living and working in a big city that still feels “like home,” with its friendly people and slightly “southern flair” of hospitality and sincerity.
I’ve found the St. Elizabeth family medicine residency program to be unmatched for its training, education, patient population, nursing experience, faculty members, and diverse resident personalities. The program thrives off of the excitement and joy of learning and teaching, as well as our shared passion for the art and science of medicine.
Angel Velazquez, M.D.
Ponce School of Medicine
I grew up in Puerto Rico, where I studied general science in college, then moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, where I graduated from medical school. After medical school, I returned to Puerto Rico to finish my Fifth Pathway program at Ponce School of Medicine.
Though moving to this country was difficult, St. Elizabeth and this residency program have made the transition much easier. In fact, I believe that choosing St. Elizabeth for my residency is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Everyone here is so nice. Attendings, upper-level residents, and fellows are always ready to help in any way they can. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do my training here.
I also like Northern Kentucky. It’s close to Cincinnati, but far enough away to avoid the crazy traffic. My wife and fellow resident, Elizabeth Fischer, and I live in the great Kenton County town of Independence where, in my spare time, I enjoy sports, riding my motorcycle, listening to music and watching movies.
Family medicine is a really exciting specialty that gives me the opportunity to see all kinds of different patients. If you love this area of medicine like I do, then this is the best program for you. If you have any questions, please contact me at angelvelaz12@yahoo.com.
Our Second-Year Residents
Sam Bradley, D.O.
Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine
I graduated from Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine after completing my undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology at Western Kentucky University. . Before entering the field of medicine, I had a career with the Kroger Co. in store management and was also previously a nuclear weapons technician for the U.S. Navy.
My wife, Tabitha, and I, are both from the Lake Cumberland area of the commonwealth, near Somerset, Kentucky. We have two wonderful daughters, Chloe and Lillian. I’m excited about relocating to Northern Kentucky, making new friends and enjoying the excellent training offered at St. Elizabeth.
Cheryl Chacko, M.D.
University of Louisville
I’m from Owensboro, Kentucky and received my undergraduate and medical school degrees from the University of Louisville. I am excited about my training here. I am very active in trying to grow in my walk with the Lord. I also enjoy dancing, spinning, and reading. Also, one of my favorite things to do is just to hang out with people and sip some Chai tea.
Sarah Flora, M.D.
Wright State University
I grew up on a pig farm in a rural town in northwestern Ohio called Fort Jennings. I graduated with a degree in biology from Xavier University, then I obtained my medical degree at Wright State University. I live here with my husband, who is also a resident, at the University of Cincinnati. I enjoy being outdoors, cooking, playing sports like volleyball and soccer and hanging out with our black lab, Casey.
Patricia Isaacs, M.D.
University of Louisville
I’m originally from Louisville, where I attended undergraduate and medical school. I’m a rabid Louisville Cardinals sports fan and general sports addict. My primary interest in family medicine is sports medicine. I speak French, love to travel, have a strong interest in technology, and am anxiously waiting for the day when I have enough free time to get a dog. I’d love to have either a lab, retriever, or Newfoundland.
Fred Pfenniger, M.D.
Saba University
I am originally from Vancouver, British Columbia and I have a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia. I attended medical school at Saba University in the Netherlands-Antilles, so I’m new to Edgewood and the Cincinnati area. Although Edgewood is close to Cincinnati, it has a small town feel. I enjoy anything related to the outdoors - hiking, camping, skiing and biking.
I chose the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency program because of its comprehensive training, compensation and the business excellence of this healthcare organization, which has not only received Magnet status, but been recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals and one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals, by Solucient.
Brian Walters, M.D.
University of Kentucky
I am a native Northern Kentuckian, who was actually born at the old St. Elizabeth North Unit in Covington, so it’s very exciting for me to be joining St. Elizabeth for my residency.
I grew up in Dry Ridge, then continued my undergraduate education at Thomas More College, right down the street from St. Elizabeth Edgewood. I received my medical degree from the University of Kentucky and I’m an avid UK basketball fan. I also enjoy regional history and hiking, and live here with my wife, Emily, and our German shepherd, Carleigh.
Bradley Williams, M.D.
University of Kentucky
I grew up in Emmalena, a small town in Eastern Kentucky. I attended Alice Lloyd College as an undergraduate, before moving on to the University of Kentucky for medical school.
I love the outdoors, whether I’m hunting, fishing, hiking, or just shooting some hoops. I’m also a Kentucky basketball fanatic (Go Cats).
I chose St. Elizabeth after seeing their excellent facilities, faculty, and residents. There is a wonderful learning atmosphere and the residents seemed to truly enjoy their experience here. If you’re considering Family Medicine, I urge you to strongly consider St. Elizabeth.