I've seen Dr. Penman twice in her office and once at the Christiana Surgicenter. She was very kind and explained everything I wanted explained. She didn't spend a huge amount of time with me, but I didn't really want or need her to. She never seemed rushed. She removed a skin cyst for me. She made me feel comfortable with the whole procedure. She seemed confident but not so arrogant that I felt like I couldn't ask questions. We made conversation all through my "surgery," most of which was about what she was doing. It might have been nice if she'd warned me when I saw her the first time that the cyst might flare up again, but when it did, they got me right in within a few days and then scheduled me to have it removed within 2 weeks. It was a pretty minor problem, so both of these were well within a reasonable amount of time. I think most women are reasonably scared to death of breast problems and she made all those fears go away for me.

Submitted Sept. 15, 2010

Dr. Penman is the best of the best when it comes to breast biopsies. She skillfully uses state of the art equipment which results in perfectly locating and biopsying sites in question, and minimal scarring. Before and during the procedure she explained every step of the procedure, and did so confidently and calmly. She was as happy as I was about my good results! I do recommend her for her expertise as a surgeon, and her demeanor. Professional and highly skilled, yet friendly and caring.

Submitted May 11, 2010

About 2 years ago my mother had a lump removed from her breast. After the surgery, Dr. Penman never came out to tell us how things went. This is the first time in my life that I attended a surgical procedure and the doctor did not take the time to come out and tell the family how things went. We were not notified until it was time for us to go to the recovery room to take her home. I have attended numerous procedures at Christiana Care Surgery Center and every other time the surgeon came out when finished to give us an update. Not Emily Penman!

Submitted March 25, 2009

I've seen Dr. Penman twice in the past week (not by choice!) for an issue with one of my breasts. when i first went to her a little over a week ago, i was squeezed in as my issue was important, but they were full w/appts. I saw Dr. Penman for literally 2 minutes. she came in, didnt even use gloves to examine my breast (which was/is infected) and told me it needed to be drained. then she made me stay on my antibiotics for another week! i was/am still in excruciating pain. i went back to her yesterday (again, not by choice, but b/c she was the random surgeon the center put me with) and she literally came into my room, told me to lay back, examined the breast again (and w/no gloves!) sat me up. said it needs to be drained, and to come back in 3 days. then she told me to have a nice day. she probably wasnt in the room a whole 3 minutes. shes very rude and im taking the advice of the prev comment and seeking a 2nd opinion. this thing couldve been drained over a week ago!!!

Submitted Feb. 17, 2009

If you have the unfortunate experience of being referred to or actually seeing this surgeon, you need to seek at least a second opinion, if not a completely new surgeon ASAP. Penman is the most arrogant, unfriendly, discourteous physician I have seen (or worked with - I am a nurse) in 26 years in healthcare. Not only was she unfamiliar with the tumor type or correct surgical approach to treat my very rare abdominal tumor, she completely botched the job, requiring not only a major "re-do" but significant plastic surgery as well. The disrepect she shows patients is unacceptable - from rolling her eyes behind patients' backs to making unprofessional and disparaging remarks about patients... in front of staff and other patients! Immediately post-op, she literally dumped me on her resident, told him to get me out of the hospital as fast as possible and left the state for vacation (or something). Highly unprofessional. Be very wary if you must see her - DO get a second opinion! Good luck-

Submitted Jan. 3, 2009