Staff

Meet Our Team

Collaborative Physician Team

At Augusta Health, you'll join a collegial team of nine experienced OB/GYN physicians who bring diverse training backgrounds and complementary clinical interests to create a robust practice environment. Rather than competing for cases or patients, this collaborative group shares knowledge, covers for one another, and collectively ensures comprehensive women's health services for the Shenandoah Valley community.

Unlike practices where physicians work in isolation, Augusta Health fosters meaningful professional relationships that enhance both patient care and physician satisfaction. This collaborative culture provides the professional stimulation of an academic setting while maintaining the personal connections of community practice.

  • Team of 9 experienced OB/GYN physicians with complementary clinical interests
  • Physicians trained at respected programs including University of Virginia, Baylor, and Eastern Virginia Medical School
  • Mix of newer physicians and established practitioners creating mentorship opportunities
  • Collaborative rather than competitive practice philosophy

Physician Colleagues with Diverse Expertise

Your daily practice will be enriched by colleagues who bring specialized skills and interests that complement your own expertise:

Dr. Dane Larsen brings specialized skills in robotic surgery, infertility evaluation and treatments, and laparoscopic procedures for endometriosis. His expertise with the Da Vinci system provides patients with advanced minimally invasive options while offering mentorship opportunities for colleagues interested in expanding their surgical skills. With interests ranging from golf to piloting his own plane, Dr. Larsen exemplifies the work-life balance possible in this practice.

Dr. Katherine Bryant (FACOG) represents the strong academic foundations of the group as a graduate of Washington and Lee University and Mercer University School of Medicine, with residency training at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

Dr. Ami Keatts contributes expertise in ultrasound and vaginal hysterectomy techniques, with additional leadership in patient safety as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. Her involvement in professional organizations, including service as Secretary-Treasurer of ACOG, reflects the group's commitment to advancing women's healthcare standards.

Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" Simms brings particular interest in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery along with a passion for patient education and contraception counseling, ensuring women receive thorough information to make informed healthcare decisions.

  • Specialized expertise in robotic surgery, infertility, advanced laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy
  • Leadership in professional organizations including ACOG
  • Commitment to patient education and informed decision-making
  • Strong representation of both surgical and obstetrical interests

Additional Practice Colleagues

The physician team is further complemented by Dr. Louis Nelsen, Dr. Jennifer Visger, Dr. Kimberly Greer (CMD, FACOG), Dr. Leonard Aamodt (FACOG, bilingual in English and Spanish), and Dr. Justin Deaton, creating a diverse group with training backgrounds from institutions including the University of Virginia, Baylor College of Medicine, and Michigan State University.

This mix of MDs and DOs trained at university and community programs creates a practice environment rich in different perspectives and approaches to women's healthcare. The inclusion of bilingual providers reflects the practice's commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Shenandoah Valley community.

  • Mix of MD and DO training backgrounds
  • Representation from both university and community-based residency programs
  • Bilingual capabilities enhancing service to Spanish-speaking patients
  • Board certifications including ABOG, AOA-OB/GYN, and others

Integrated Advanced Practice Providers

Your practice will be enhanced by collaboration with 5 Certified Nurse Midwives who are fully integrated into the care team, providing both independent services and collaborative care alongside physicians. This midwifery integration creates a balanced approach to obstetrical services, allowing for both physiologic birth options and seamless physician involvement when needed.

Additional Women's Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) and Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide support for routine gynecology services and pregnancy confirmations, creating efficient workflows that maximize your impact as a physician on more complex cases requiring your specialized training.

  • 5 Certified Nurse Midwives fully integrated into both clinic and call coverage
  • WHNPs and FNPs managing routine gynecology and pregnancy confirmations
  • Team-based approach that honors the complementary skills of different providers
  • Midwives providing 24/7/365 support, enhancing the call experience

The Augusta Health OB/GYN team represents the ideal balance of specialized expertise and collaborative culture, creating an environment where you can thrive professionally while developing meaningful relationships with colleagues who share your commitment to exceptional women's healthcare. Here you'll find the collegiality often missing in larger settings and the diverse perspectives impossible to achieve in smaller practices.

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