Dr. Marie Fernicola Pennanen, MD

I have been a patient with Dr. Pennanen and Chevy Chase Breast Center since 2020, weeks prior to the pandemic, was my first appointment. The attention to detail, knowledge and top-notch patient care I have received over the last four years is unmatched. This past June 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and every step of the way Dr. Pennanen, Lori Zorc and the entire CCBC team has been there for me and my family - helping to navigate the great unknown with ease. The referrals to oncologist, radiologist, plastic surgeons and mental health resources have been a lifesaver. Their pre and post op care is unmatched. I have had issues arise post-surgery and they were dealt with immediately. Most importantly they are hyper connected with all the doctors on my team ensure I can move through this process and focus on healing and my family versus spending hours managing my care across multiple practitioners. You will not be disappointed in the care you receive from Dr. Pennanen and the… team. I look forward to being a patient through treatment, recovery, and the many years to come!

Dr. Pennanen and her team provided such wonderful care - I am very grateful to all of them. From the first appointment, I felt Dr. Pennanen had really taken the time to understand my particular case. There were some usual details - I suppose that's true of every patient - that she had already looked into so she understood the specific pathology of my case from the start. That gave me a lot of confidence in her. Her team was also very thoughtful, responsive and on top of details as I went through the assessment to prepare for my surgery. And the surgery itself, at their surgical center, was very smooth and well managed. I was comforted to know that many members of her team have been together for many years. There is a lot of stability there which was also reassuring that they know how to work well as a team. Overall I felt very well cared for by a very competent and caring team.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Pennanen. She is an excellent communicator: she takes the time to explain what to expect, answers all questions, and checks for understanding. Her surgical suite is fully equipped (more convenient and safer than a hospital) and the entire superb staff works together like a well-oiled machine. Dr. Pennanen's surgical skills are outstanding. She takes great care to get the best results medically, but also aesthetically. Highly recommended.

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 annual mammogram in 2020 was concerning: “finding that requires supplementary studies”. These included an ultrasound with aspiration and then an ultrasound with guided biopsy. The next call from the radiologist’s office with a diagnosis of ductal papilloma included a referral to Dr. Marie Pennanen, breast surgeon in Chevy Chase, Maryland. I finished that call with the feeling that all the air had been sucked out of me – like one of those big bags you can pack bedding into and pull a vacuum on to make it small and fit under the bed. I wanted to climb under the bed. Ten days later I visited Dr. Marie Pennanen in her breast cancer dedicated 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 but keen 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. Following surgery the caregiving team expanded to include medical oncology and radiation therapy and these professionals worked with Dr. Pennanen and me in a model cohesive way. I am doing very well and grateful to have access to extraordinary medical care. I highly recommend Dr. Marie Pennanen to anyone needing a breast cancer surgeon.

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.

Dr. Pennanen is kind, gentle, and compassionate. She inspires confidence in the patient. And, of course, she's smart! A terrifically well-run practice.

To Lori Zosc thank you for your kind and caring assistance toward me in helping me to schedule my appointments (initial and follow-up), answering my questions and applying your medical expertise to put me at ease during what I call an ordeal. To Dr. Pennenan's office staff, thank you for your polite, professional, and caring manner. It is truly appreciated. May the Lord God bless each and everyone of you.

This message comes to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Marie Pennanen for using her expert surgical skills to perform a lumpectomy on my breast to remove the cancerous cells and put me on the mend. I experienced no pain or discomfort in the aftermath and the incision is quite nice and neat. I would highly recommend Dr. Pennanen to anyone in need of her excellent surgical skills and her kindness made this experience all the more bearable. I thank God that he made a Dr. Marie Pennanen.

Dr. Pennanen and Lori Zorc are what every health care provider should be. They are professional, knowledgeable, capable, compassionate and kind. They are thorough and they follow up. My standards are extremely high and they exceed them every time. During my first visit, they explained my abnormal mammogram results, assessed my breast cancer risk, and provided a management plan with steps and timing. When I had questions, they answered immediately and clearly. Two potential health issues came up on my most recent visit. Within 10 minutes, Dr. Pennanen had spoken with my primary care doctor and scheduled a biopsy for later in the week - all while clearly and calmly explaining what she was thinking, where one issue was outside her area of expertise and what to do next, and sharing her rationale for the biopsy. Lori made sure I knew how to prepare for the biopsy and then followed up via email that night, called the next morning, and has checked in twice more in two days… regarding the issue that is outside their area just to make sure that I'm doing ok. Can't sing their praises or thank them enough.