Marie Fernicola Pennanen

Dr. Pennanen is an outstanding surgeon and an excellent communicator. She takes the time to explain what to expect, and to listen carefully to patient questions and concerns. Her surgical results are excellent, both medically and aesthetically. The team, too, is universally superb: responsive, caring, and professional. Highly recommended.

The professionalism of Dr. Pennanen and her staff would be hard to beat. A greeter admits the patient into the well-appointed suite for COVID-screening. There's a reassuring steadiness in the office tempo--everyone seems to be efficiently and knowingly engaged. Dr. Pennanen does her homework--she had absorbed the many details of my case and accurately summarized my medical history in our first meeting. She is thorough, focused, and attentive in the medical examination. Dr. Pennanen excels in explaining complex medical issues, risks, and processes. She goes the extra mile to get labs and images that can better inform the surgical procedure and protocol thereafter. Her surgical result was impeccable. I could not have been more pleased with the medical care that I received from Dr. Pennanen. Five stars is five too few for Dr. Pennanen--She gets a 'perfect 10' from me,

Not only an accomplished surgeon, but easy, calming bedside manner.

Reasons why I choose Dr. Pennanen 1. Highly experienced breast surgeon recommended by my other doctors 2. She answers all your questions fully 3. She never rushes you but gives you all the time you need 4. In addition to being highly skilled, she is caring and compassionate 5. The Nurse Navigator, Lori, is very resposnsive to phone calls and emails. She is also very knowledgeable and caring. 6. The entire office team is patient focused, friendly and helpful I could not have chosen a better doctor!

The call from the radiologist’s office following my 2020 mammogram was concerning. After several follow-up procedures the next call included a referral to Dr. Marie Pennanen, breast surgeon in Chevy Chase, Maryland. I felt like all the air had been sucked out of me. Ten days later I visited Dr. Pennanen in her beautiful facility and for the first time since the diagnosis, took a deep breath. The office is extremely well managed – the staff are attentive, kind, competent and professional. Implementation of Covid-19 protocols is seamless and fully integrated. Dr. Pennanen is a marvelously skilled surgeon with a gentle focus and formidable diagnostic skills. Lori Zorc, a nurse and Certified Breast Cancer Navigator is a remarkable individual in this practice – deeply knowledgeable, always accessible, and endlessly kind. I am doing very well and grateful to have access to extraordinary medical care. I highly recommend Dr. Pennanen and her team to anyone needing a breast cancer surgeon.

Dr. Pennanen and her team clearly strive for excellence every day with every call, every visit, every patient and procedure. I have never had to wait on hold, never had to go in voice mail or a wait for a return call from my doctor or her team. The attention to details and consistency in the care provided is amazing. My expectations and standards are very high since I have been in health care for over 40 years. This team has exceeded my expectations. The patient is fully supported and made to feel cared for. The medical and surgical expertise are superb. I give this practice five stars.

I am glad to have the opportunity to provide a review of Dr. Pennanen and her team. I had not had a positive experience with the practice of oncology prior to Dr. Pennanen. I am grateful for the excellent care which I have received from Dr. Pennanen and Lori Zorc, a dedicated and kind nurse practitioner over the past two years. Dr. Pennanen pursues excellence and she shares her knowledge and guidance in a relatable way. I am certain that her attention to detail and commitment to early diagnosis and preventative measures have saved me. Apart from kind, thoughtful and caring staff, the practice is well organized—indeed their high degree of professionalism helps to make the process less stressful. Lastly, the in house surgical unit is convenient and of high quality as Dr. Pennanen has superb surgical skills.

I agree that Dr Penneman was excellent at explaining everything and was patient. I saw another surgeon before her who did not explain my cancer, but cited survival statistics and answered my questions with “yes” or “no”. Completely different experience with Dr Penneman

(1) I had been referred to Dr. Marie Pennanen a year ago by a mammogram office that described her as the "best" breast expert in the DC area. My subsequent visit to her office proved that to be true. In my 70s, I was concerned about breast cancer and her exam was so thorough and unique, well beyond any possible descriptions, and well worth the pre-paid fees (see below)! (2) Although the office does not accept insurance, they nonetheless file insurance claims for you, a tremendous service! I recently had a question about some dated claim issues and called the Billing Department and spoke with the account rep Christopher Zorc. He was exceptionally patient and knowledgeable, was empathetic about the complex background, and resolved the issues immediately and even confirmed by email to me right away. Christopher showed the utmost professionalism and passion for his job, but also reflected the corporate culture of Dr. Pennanen's office. He is a great addition to the office!

A fantastic experience. Dr. Pennanen is gracious & kind, but also, of course, intelligent and knowledgeable. I actually enjoyed the procedure because both the physician and her team were so lovely. The office is exceptionally well-organized.

Doc Marie Pennanen is wonderful. I’ve had procedures with her for the last few years. She is very kind , professional and absolutely amazing. Lori is also a gem. Lori is very personable, caring and professional. I love these ladies. I would actually hang out in a social setting with them given the opportunity, ha ha . I felt like they treated me almost like a valued friend. I’ve had procedures that were scary for me. They put my mind at ease and made the situation so calming and caring. I can’t say enough about these great ladies. It’s clear they were meant to do the work they do. I felt safe and very happy to be in their care. I will never search for a breast doctor outside this office. Doc Marie Pennanen is wonderful. I’ve had procedures with her for the last few years. She is very kind , professional and absolutely amazing. Lori is also a gem. Lori is very personable, caring and professional. I love … More

After a period of 19 years, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in 2011. The doctor who did the first surgery had retired and, luckily for me, my GYN recommended Dr. Pennanen. The doctor was away at a conference when my biopsy results came in, so Lori held my hand and told me the results. I was always kept informed and played an active part in planning my treatment. I was able to have the lumpectomy done in the office OR suite instead of going to a hospital, which made a world of difference. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating, which is why I recommend Dr. Pennanen and her staff, who are there providing compassion and support during the rough times and sharing the joy when the news is good. You don't have to go through this alone. After a period of 19 years, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in 2011. The doctor who did the first surgery had retired and, luckily for me, my GYN recommended Dr. Pennanen. The doctor was away at a conference when my … More

I strongly recommend Dr. Pennanen and the Chevy Chase Breast Center. I have had both a lumpectomy in the office surgical center and a mastectomy at Sibley Hospital. No one wants to go through this, but I have always felt confident in Dr. Pennanen’s advice and skill and well cared for by Dr. P and Lori. I am the type of patient who asks a lot questions and they listen and make sure I am comfortable with my treatment.

Dr. P was thorough, compassionate, efficient and perfectly clear as we progressed through the exams and procedures. She offered me options with clear consequences for each. Most impressive was the opportunity to take advantage of many tests before any surgery. When the time came, the procedure was done at the physicians’ surgical suite, comfortable and efficient. Lori expedited appointments with other specialists. My surgical scar is better than I could have imagined. All very positive.

I highly recommend Dr. Pennanen and her entire office including Lori. The office is caring and efficient. Dr. Pennanen and Lori both spend the time needed to walk you through your diagnosis, options and next steps. I felt incredibly well cared for, very confident in the surgery Dr. Pennanen performed, and appreciate all of my continued follow up. I never feel like I am being rushed, always walk out of my appointment with my questions answered, and confident I chose the right doctor for me.

Dr.P was my surgeon to perform a lumpectomy. Not only was the surgery easy and well done, she is the person you want to see when you wake up. In today's medical climate bedside manner has been lost. With her it is front and center. Her assistant Lori answers every text, call or e-mail so fast you think you're their only patient. When bad news calls, you want her to help you answer and prevail.She is knowledgeable and professional. Dr.P was my surgeon to perform a lumpectomy. Not only was the surgery easy and well done, she is the person you want to see when you wake up. In today's medical climate bedside manner has been lost. With her it is front and center. Her … More

I would give a zero if I could. Thank goodness the Reconstructive Surgeon could put my sister back together after Pennanen butchered her. No skill.

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I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Pennanen and her excellent, caring staff. From the moment her staff took my call, I knew I was in great hands (literally and professionally). Every one put me at ease, from sending me the forms so I could fill them out in the comfort of my home, to getting me settled into the exam room, telling me what was going to happen, explaining the needed surgery, the care during the surgery and the followup visits. Dr. Pennanen is an outstanding surgeon.

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From the time of our first consultation for mom's breast cancer to the successful surgery, Dr. Pennanen, Lori and rest of their staff were consistently stellar in their work while providing top notch care. Not only were they thorough, and seamlessly efficient but also compassionate and kind. It was so evident that they truly cared about their patients and it was not about business for them. We never doubted that our mom was in best hands possible and we feel truly blessed to have found them!!!

Excellent care. Professional and warm staff. In a time when women feel emotional any way, it is very comforting to know you are in the best care and the staff actually cares about you well being. Kudos to Dr. Pennanen and all her staff.

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After my breast cancer diagnoses, my consultation with Dr. Pennanen was extremely comforting and reassuring. Her calm, soothing demeanor is exactly what I needed. She performed my lumpectomy and I experienced no pain afterwards. My scarring is minimal. I highly recommend Dr. P and her team!

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