I have just been referred to Dr. Penman and wanted to research her before I went to her. I am confused about these reviews. How can Dr. Penman be so wonderful, and at the same time be so horrible? It makes me wonder about the race of you who have written these reviews. If I knew what race you are then I would know whether or not Dr. Penman was prejudice, and hence the reason for the negative reviews. As it stands, I don't know if I should see this doctor or not.

Submitted Oct. 3, 2018

I have been a patient of Dr. Emily Penman for a number of years now, since 2009. She is an exceptional doctor. I initially saw her for a cyst in 2009. The mammogram showed abnormal calcification and I had a biopsy. I had a second surgical biopsy due to abnormal cells in the milk ducts. Everything was fine. In 2012, I had another cyst and had a mammogram and ultra sound. The day of the mammogram, I did not have an appointment with Dr. Penman, but Dr. Penman made her schedule available to see me immediately and scheduled a biopsy for the same day. Once the biopsy results came in, Dr. Penman called me immediately to come in the same day to see her. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Penman was very precise, detailed and took immediate action. Dr. Penman is straight to the point and doesn't sugar coat the facts. I want a doctor who cares enough to take time from their busy schedule to see me immediately if it warrants. Dr. Penman was totally confident that we could beat this and took immediate steps. As of 2015, Dr. Penman is still my doctor and I no longer have breast cancer. I am so very thankful that Dr. Penman is my doctor and would definitely highly recommend her.

Submitted Aug. 6, 2015

I am totally disgusted on how my visit went with Dr. Penman. She was arrogant and rude. She completely dismissed mine and my obgyn's concerns. She kept throwing her hands up saying "your fine, your fine,". You can only imagine how scary it is to even make an appt at a breast surgeons office and then to feel dismissed like that is crazy! I left there just as scared and confused as when I went in. I have never had a doctor treat me the way she did (I have dealt with 100's of doctors). My OB took a screening of some discharge and blood I am having from my nipples. She sent them off to the lab and the results showed abnormal cells in it. So, thats the whole reason why she wanted me to been seen ASAP by Penman. Penman didn't explain in detail on why these abnormal cells showed up. She just said "dont worry about it, we dont use those screenings anymore". If that's the case, then why did my OB send me there?! She would cut me off when I would ask a question, as if I didn't have the right to ask. She didn't send me for any tests. It felt like I was waisting her time. It was awful! I definitely will be getting a second opinion. Hopefully, she is right in saying "I'm fine", but I just wish she showed some simple compassion. My mom had discharge coming out of her nipples when she was my age (33) and come to find out, she has a patuitary tumor and MS. Nipple discharge is a sign! Penman also dismissed that information as well.

Submitted Nov. 6, 2014

I saw Dr. Penman for a second opinion after a calcification was seen in a routine mammogram & a biopsy was suggested. I was very disappointed with her; she did not offer any alternative options beyond doing a core biopsy, even after I specifically asked if there was anything concerning, disturbing or unusual about my mammogram results. She said "no" but still did not offer alternatives, or explain why she felt this procedure was warranted. She commented that calcifications are very common in women over age 50, and 80% are benign. She wanted to schedule the biopsy immediately but we agreed that she would have her scheduler call in one week so I could have time to think about it. I received a call the very next day asking to schedule the procedure and at that point felt like I was being railroaded. She explained the procedure in detail but I felt she minimized the risks involved and recovery time afterward. Her demeanor seemed condescending. I would not go back to Dr. Penman.

Submitted April 22, 2014

As i was not impressed with the Breast Center itself, Dr. Penman made up for it dramatically. The radiologist shewed me away from doing a test cause I didn't get my period. Had a neg HCG, returned to have MRI done, radilogist tried to shew me away a second time. I refused to leave. I wanted a test done, not wait again to see if my period shows up. After a "discussion" they agreed to repeat my US and Mammo. Which in turn SHOWED A TUMOR. Rather then send me on my way to come back for results, Dr Penman jumped on this and did a biospy right then and there. two days later this Dr personally called me to give me my results and for me to return THAT day. When I got there, she had an action plan ready and scheduled. She is a no BS doctor, no dance around, no sugar coating. Its " this is what it is, this is what we do next ". I want a doctor that is confident in herself, and that is Dr. Penman. I am extremely grateful to have her as my doctor!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Submitted Feb. 7, 2013

She talks to you as though you are not very bright; she is in a hurry; and she is somewhat offended by questions. I have an IQ of 140 but because I am not a doctor, she is dismissive. There is no room for collaborative decision-making, which I get with other doctors. She also has a cavalier attitude about how uncomfortable/painful/debilitating a procedure is going to be (I've had two and she's discussing a third.)She sounds like a tampon commercial: yes, I'm cutting your breast open, but in 72 hours you can do anything you want! Biking! Horseback riding! Swimming! No problem! You'll actually feel better! I don't need hand-holding or warm-fuzzies, but I do require respect from a doctor, and I don't feel it coming from her.

Submitted Nov. 9, 2012

Went to Penman a few years ago for a biopsy concerning an unusual lump in my breast. The first appt pre-biopsy she struck me as quick and impersonal. The biopsy itself went fine, staff seemed nice. The post-biopsy appt was super quick, like she was in a hurry. Told me pretty much you're fine, nothing wrong, and go on get out of here, like I was wasting her time. Maybe I was fine and it turned out to be benign, but I felt dismissed and treated in a very impersonal, rude, and disrespectful way. It would be different if I had detected a look of humor on her face or tone of humor in her voice, but I didn't at all. I felt uncomfortable and bad during and after that appt that day. I vowed never to go back to her. New mammo/ultrasound this year for another reason, and I am trying a new doctor elsewhere. Hoping to be treated better this time around. If I am, will stick with them, but you can be sure I will never see Penman again by choice.

Submitted Feb. 23, 2012

Dr. Penman has an excellent reputation among other physicians both in Delaware and nationally at high profile centers such as HUP, and to me that's the most important criteria when choosing a surgeon. My experience with her has been fantastic; she is punctual, highly skilled, a great diagnostician and her office staff are amazing. She is really good at recognizing when something is important and needs immediate attention (e.g. when she felt my tumor on breast exam she knew it was something serious, and made time for a biopsy that day. When the pathology results came back she stayed late in the evening to share the results and treatment plan with me. She was factual and informative regarding what I should expect with my type of cancer. I've had two surgeries and two biopsies with her - each time I have been impressed with her level of skill, her professional approach and the quality of care I have received.

Submitted Dec. 8, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting and being cared for by Dr. Penman May 2011. I was scared out of my mind, but she quickly put my fears to rest. She was very thorough in explaining everything she was doing during my breast biopsy. In addition, when it came time to deliver my results, she was empathetic, caring, and confident that we would beat this disease. I would highly recommend her!!!

Submitted Oct. 31, 2011

I met Dr. Penman about 1 mont ago, and from the first intro I got a good vibe from her. After my first visit I felt very calm, relaxed and reassured about becoming a new patient of her's. After my second visit it just confirmed my feeling from my first visit. Dr. Penman was again caring, understanding, easy to talk to, attentive, knowledgable and seemed to show her expertise in her field. With this said I am very please to have her as my Doctor. I feel at ease and trust the care she has and will be giving me. Her staff and office seem to be professional and compatant.

Submitted Dec. 3, 2010