What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.92
Average wait time
4.66
Bedside manner
4.94
“Dr. Penwell is absolutely incredible. Front desk staff here are not the nicest… but I’ll continue coming back because Dr. Penwell and all the nurses I’ve dealt with too are all amazing.”
Madison B.April 7, 2026
“I’ve had such a hard time finding a good obgyn and I feel so lucky to have found this one! She is so kind and makes you feel very understood and taken care of. Highly recommend ”
Rachel R.April 1, 2026
About Dr. Carlyn Penwell
*FairfaxGyn treats only GYN patients and no OB/Pregnancy*
Fairfax Gynecology Group
Carlyn Penwell, CNM, DNP
A native of South Florida, I escaped the heat when I moved to New York City for college where I studied nursing at NYU. My first job as an RN was working with women utilizing fertility treatments at Columbia University. I then worked as a labor and delivery nurse at New York Presbyterian Hospital and realized I wanted a career where I could help women achieve healthy pregnancies, have safe and empowered labor and birth experiences and then remain healthy throughout the lifespan. This caused me to return to school to pursue a doctorate degree in nursing specializing in midwifery. Meaning “with woman”, a midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse whose practice focuses on women’s health needs throughout the lifespan—from the first pap smear to menopause care and all the milestones between. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2016, I started practicing full-scope midwifery at a large hospital in Minneapolis.
I returned to the east coast to be closer to my family and am excited to join Fairfax Gynecology Group to continue to support and care for women throughout their life. I practice whole person, evidenced based care and cater treatment plans specific to a woman’s health history, goals and needs. I want to help you maintain wellness as well as solve specific gynecological concerns.
When not working, I love exploring museums of art or science, attending musicals and plays, baking, cycling, swimming and yoga. I have two cats who behave like dogs. And of course, I enjoy spending time with my parents, two brothers and a sister-in-law, and my niece and twin nephews who live in the area, as well.
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In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Office location
Dr. Carlyn Penwell, CNM, DNP also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Minnesota, Doctor of Nursing Practice
- New York University (Bachelor's)
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Female
NPI number
1386196418
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.92
Wait time
4.66
Bedside manner
4.94
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
782 reviews
Most relevant
Amazing doctor. She is very knowledgeable and really listens to you. I will keep seeing her!
March 25, 2026Initials hidden
Dr. Penwell was amazing. She listens and gave great advice. I did not feel rushed for my appointment which was amazing.
July 12, 2024April J.Verified patient
Carlyn is caring, intelligent, and efficient. The office is pretty and very well run. An excellent experience.
December 16, 2024Stephanie O.Verified patient
She is amazing, very smart, with superb bedside manner. I prefer NPs over doctors for this reason!
June 4, 2025Taylor R.Verified patient
She has an amazing bedside manner and put me at ease. She listened to my concerns and laid out a thorough treatment plan
March 8, 2024Alicia H.Verified patient
Excellent staff's attention, Doctor Penwell attends to all my doubts and search for the best option for my requirement.
August 24, 2023Sandra S.Verified patient
Carolyn was efficient and engaged with me and my concerns. I felt validated and well cared for!
More than 1 year agoMeredith B.Verified patient
Dr. Carlyn is incredible! She’s is understanding, nonjudgemental, proactive and a clear communicator.
December 11, 2024Abigail N.Verified patient
Dr Carlyn Penwell was very nice and kind. She explained all my concerns and made sure I was comfortable during my visit.
January 23, 2023Karina K.Verified patient
Excellent care, everyone was in good spirits. I felt heard and my concerns were addressed with ease.
October 23, 2024Initials hidden
My experience was amazing! She was such an amazing listener and she helped me with all my concerns!
November 20, 2024Natasha V.Verified patient
Nurse practitioner was very friendly and practical. Very easy to talk to.
October 11, 2025Kristen T.Verified patient
This establishment was fantastic!
Very informative, kind & friendly
I'll definitely return
February 18, 2025Marsha C.Verified patient
Excellent bedside manner, very knowledgeable, wonderful personality, empathetic, and patient!
October 11, 2024Leslie H.Verified patient
Dr. Penwell answered all my questions clearly and was very nice. Thank you!
June 23, 2025Margarita D.Verified patient
Amazing and I think I finally found my OG doctor ??
February 11, 2026EUNHEE T.Verified patient
Carlyn is knowledgeable, confident, a great listener and communicator.
July 23, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
Great, friendly, and helped to make sure my visit was coded for insurance to accept
October 10, 2024Courtney C.Verified patient
My appointment was canceled for seemingly no reason
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
made me feel comfortable and was knowledgeable on what i needed.
June 23, 2025Initials hidden
Quick, easy, painless, straight forward, treated me like an adult, professional, helpful/informative.
More than 1 year agoEC
Friendly staff, clear communication, great staff, clean office
More than 1 year agoCaroline S.Verified patient
Amazing bedside manner! Provider was very thorough and professional.
August 17, 2024Andrea S.Verified patient
Amazing! Made me feel very comfortable asking a thousand questions
July 26, 2024Imani P.Verified patient
Great experience overall- seamless, professional, and I felt HEARD.
April 3, 2024Bridget O.Verified patient
She was great! Provided great information and listened to my concerns thoroughly.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Thought the office was competent, staff very nice and the PA was wonderful
July 7, 2023Carole S.Verified patient
I would highly recommend this office. Very professional and friendly staff.
March 30, 2023Jessica F.Verified patient
She's very nice and made sure I had all the information I needed.
June 14, 2023Initials hiddenVideo visit
They were very nice and were informative about all the questions I had.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Everything went very well. All of my questions were answered, plus more.
More than 1 year agoCA
Very good vibes. She was a very listener and communication was spot on.
September 20, 2021Tyrasia S.Verified patient
Very friendly, asks the right questions, listens well, swiped helpful!
February 11, 2022Aliyah H.Verified patient
Overall, great experience and very nice nursing staff.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Great. Very attentive. Clean office. Taken care of quickly.
More than 1 year agoCH
Dr. Penwell is absolutely incredible. Front desk staff here are not the nicest… but I’ll continue coming back because Dr. Penwell and all the nurses I’ve dealt with too are all amazing.
April 7, 2026Madison B.Verified patient
I’ve had such a hard time finding a good obgyn and I feel so lucky to have found this one! She is so kind and makes you feel very understood and taken care of. Highly recommend
April 1, 2026Rachel R.Verified patient
Carlyn Penwell was a great nurse practitioner. She was knowledgeable, had a great bedside manner and addressed my concerns. I would definitely go back to her.
March 11, 2026Theresa C.Verified patient
I haven’t posted a review before especially about doctors or within the medical sphere but I felt strongly compelled to do so for Dr. Carlyn Penwell. She was so kind and attentive, even asking at the end of my appointment if there was anything else I wanted to share and I felt comfortable enough to share some details that I hadn’t done before with my previous doctors. I can’t express enough how pleasant my appointment was and how easy going and how soothing her energy was! Highly recommend :)
March 7, 2026Leslie T.Verified patient
The staff was super friendly and more conscious especially of my hearing impairment. They made sure that they looked at me while talking with me.
February 20, 2026Mary Beth P.Verified patient
I felt heard and seen, she is very approachable.
Less than 3 months agoGelyn M.Verified patient
Dr. Penwell is an outstanding physician. He/she truly listens without rushing, explains everything clearly, and genuinely cares about finding the best solution for you. I felt completely at ease and well-informed during my visit. Highly recommend!
January 21, 2026Kiros Meles H.Verified patient
Dr. Penwell was knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. The visit was efficient, and my concerns were addressed thoroughly. I would recommend this provider.
January 9, 2026Devin R.Verified patient
I have consistently had a great experience with Carlyn Penwell! She is friendly, thorough, and nonjudgmental. Would highly recommend!
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
As a new patient at this office I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I felt very well taken of. The staff were friendly and professional. Carlyn was respectful and patient, taking the time to listen to my concerns and answering any questions I had. She was able to understand what I needed right away.
November 19, 2025Samiah A.Verified patient
Carlyn had an amazing bedside manner and was very attentive. She was thorough and detailed and addressed all my concerns. She provided information that is relevant to my health currently as well as information, etc. to consider for the near future. I also had virtually no wait time. Carlyn and the rest of the team was polite and exercised wonderful bedside manners and just customer service, generally. I very much intend to return and would recommend Carlyn!
October 23, 2025Kristi J.Verified patient
10/10 experience. Everyone was so friendly and created an inclusive environment. My provider was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and my pelvic exam & Pap smear was a breeze.
October 21, 2025Shelby W.Verified patient
I have seen Carlyn for the last 2 of my annual visits and she’s wonderful. I really appreciate the way she speaks and is very down to earth, provides comfort, and overall great.
October 17, 2025Ameera H.Verified patient
Dr Carolyn is one of the most knowledgeable doctors I have spoken to. She took her time and listened to my concerns fully before even bringing up a diagnosis. She listed possible diagnoses and tested for all of them even though she was sure it was a specific one. I love how I didn’t feel rushed at all and was comfortable throughout the appointment.
October 17, 2025Initials hidden
Dr. Penwell was amazing, it was my first time ever going to the OBGYN for a papsmear, I was so anxious. She was a great listener and she talked me through each step to make me feel comfortable. The front desk and medical assistant are very kind and patient too. <3 thank you
October 10, 2025Initials hidden
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Carlyn Penwell?
Generally, Dr. Carlyn Penwell has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Penwell's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Carlyn Penwell accepting new patients?
Dr. Carlyn Penwell generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Penwell's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Carlyn Penwell accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Dr. Carlyn Penwell online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Penwell using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Carlyn Penwell work with?
Dr. Carlyn Penwell works with Fairfax Gynecology Group.
Where is Dr. Carlyn Penwell's office located?
Dr. Carlyn Penwell has 2 office locations in Fairfax, view full addresses on Dr. Penwell's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Carlyn Penwell?
Dr. Carlyn Penwell frequently sees patients for Annual Pap Smear / GYN Exam, Birth Control / Contraception, Gynecology Consultation, New Patient Visit, and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Carlyn Penwell on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Carlyn Penwell speak?
Dr. Carlyn Penwell speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Carlyn Penwell in reviews?
782 patients have reviewed Dr. Carlyn Penwell. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.92/5. They have a 4.94/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.66/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.