Lynda Thomas-Mabine

Dr. Thomas-Mabine, you are the Division Chief of Gynecology at Chestnut Hill Hospital and Section Chief for Robotic Surgery. Could you tell us about your path to this role and what your day-to-day looks like? How did you become involved in robotic surgery? 

Throughout my 30-plus years on the Chestnut Hill Hospital’s medical staff, I’ve considered it important to be engaged in various leadership roles and committees that affect policies and improve outcomes for patients. In 2010, I was honored to be elected by the hospital’s board of trustees to Division Chief of Gynecology.  

Much of my workday is dedicated to providing direct patient care in my office or in the operating room. In fact, my staff refers to the surgical suite as “Dr. Thomas’ happy place.” Since my days as a resident, I have had a passion for surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. With the evolution of robotic surgery and the benefits of being able to offer the latest surgical technology to my patients, I advocated for the hospital’s investment in the da Vinci system in 2009. We now provide laparoscopic robotic surgery not only for benign GYN procedures, but also for GYN malignancies through our collaboration with Temple University Health System. Now a wide range of Chestnut Hill physicians, including specialists from Urology, General, Bariatric, Colorectal, and Thoracic surgeons use this advanced technology.  

Congratulations on your induction to The College of Physicians this past November! What first interested you about becoming a Fellow at the College?  

It was on April 13, 1989, when I first stepped into the College’s building as a new inductee into the Philadelphia Obstetrical society. I was in awe of the Museum and its historical architecture. I was surprised to be greeted by Dr. Helen O. Dickens who was the first African American OB/GYN faculty member at Penn. She was also appointed Director of OB-GYN at Mercy Douglass Hospital in 1948. It was her acknowledgement of me, applause and warm wishes that inspired me. Now more than 30 years later, I am thrilled to be inducted as a Fellow of the College, and I aspire to live up to her legacy. 

Tell us about one of your favorite items in the Library or Museum, or your favorite aspect of the College.   

I have two. One is The Charter of Mercy-Douglass Hospital, which is prominently displayed in the atrium. The courage and brilliance of the physicians who founded Mercy-Douglass in 1948 to ensure quality health care for the Black community was incredible! I also love the portraits of Dr. Nathan Mossell, who founded Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital in 1895 and Dr. Eugene Theodore Hinson, one of the founders of Mercy Hospital. That these exceptional physicians overcame the culture of racism in American to serve Blacks Philadelphians was truly an amazing feat. 

You helped create a lounge at Chestnut Hill Hospital that includes two massage chairs and is quiet space for healthcare workers to decompress and check in with each other after a stressful shift. As an advocate for physician wellness, will you share other self-care practices that you have found helpful? 

Finding time for selfcare is challenging for me and many of my physician colleagues, but we must prioritize our well-being. Setting up a routine schedule for “me-time” is important for physician wellness. I also recommend making time for prayers, exercise, and meditation in one’s daily routine. Taking a few minutes between clinical hours to just focus on a breathing exercise helps to better manage stress and anxiety. 

Who is a physician or mentor that has influenced and inspired you?  

I never worked directly in clinical practice with Dr. Helen Dickens but admired this living legend whom I had the opportunity to meet. Her story and the life she lived, and practiced should be preserved for all of us who “stand on her shoulders”.  

As a mentor yourself, what advice or approach do you find resonates with your mentees? 

I absolutely love my role as a physician and surgeon, and I consider the opportunity to heal and improve the quality of life for my patients to be a gift. My advice to mentees is to find a specialty that inspires your passion. If you can build a career you love, then the time and effort you invest in your craft will be a source of joy.