DOCTOR’S ORDERS
How one of Philadelphia’s most philanthropic pediatricians gets it all done
At 9 years old, most girls want toys for Christmas. Not Lynn Garvin Dever—she wanted a microscope kit. “I’ve always wanted to be a pediatrician since I was a kid,” says Dever, who has been with Holland Pediatrics for 28 years. “I have this clear memory of being in my grandmother’s kitchen in South Philly and I told my cousin that I wanted to be a pediatrician when I grew up, and he said he wanted to be an architect, and that’s what we both do today.” Dever is a Philly girl through and through. She grew up in the Northeast and attended Archbishop Ryan High School, St. Joseph’s University and Temple University’s School of Medicine before doing her residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. The mother of two—and new grandmother just last year—has been married to Jim Dever, Bank of America’s market president for the Greater Philadelphia area, for 35 years. “I think I was one of the first residents at St. Christopher’s to get pregnant,” laughs Dever. “I was on leave for five weeks and then right back to 90-plus hours a week.” These days, Dever’s schedule is much more forgiving. Four years ago, she was board certified in integrative medicine, which emphasizes the relationship between physician and patient and combines Western medicine with other evidence-based modalities like acupuncture and herbal medicine. “Ten years ago, I would use words like ‘breathing exercises’ for meditation and parents would look a little wary. Now when I say meditation, kids say they do it in school.” Dever also keeps busy with her favorite local charities, like Cradles to Crayons and MANNA. Last year, she became one of the founding members of the new MANNA Institute. The group’s mission is to conduct studies and research that support the nonprofit’s mission that medically appropriate meals drastically improve patient outcomes. “As a pediatrician, this is the best way to link up my passion for healthy living with giving back. I hope this will have a lasting impact and guide my future in the coming years.” In the meantime, Dever continues to carve out her legacy one doctor’s appointment at a time. “I have a 7-year-old patient whose mother wrote me a letter to say that her daughter had dressed up in a white coat with my name on it for her school’s career day. It’s gratifying to inspire young women to do what they want to do in life.”
8AM: Take a Ride
“I am an avid spinner—my Peloton bike is a favorite!” From $2,245, Peloton, King of Prussia Mall, simon.com; onepeloton.com
1PM: Visit the Franklin Institute
“The Franklin Institute Awards, taking place in April, is one of the best-kept secrets in Philadelphia. Alexander Graham Bell, Marie Curie and Albert Einstein have all won—many go on to win Nobel Prizes. I serve as a liaison for the awardees.” 222 N. 20th St., 215.448.1200, fi.edu
3PM: Go Shopping
“Some of my favorites are Neiman Marcus, Boyds and Saks. My grandmother was a seamstress at the latter for 30 years and dressed me my whole life. She was my fashion role model and even taught me how to sew.” 1818 Chestnut St., 215.564.9000, boydsphila.com
6PM: Dinner at Parc
“Carol Serena makes every visit there extra special.” 227 S. 18th St., 215.545.2262, parc-restaurant.com
FULL-COURT PRESS
Whether she’s hitting the books at Wharton or wowing Instagram fans with her latest look, it’s all in a day’s work for Anita Oh.
“My life is never linear,” says Anita Oh, summing up her winding career path from aspiring magazine editor-in-chief to CBS 3 television news reporter to University of Pennsylvania, where she is pursuing a dual degree in law and business. While she may not have traced a straight line in permanent marker to her life’s passion, Oh can clearly connect the dots that led her to enroll in Penn Law and Wharton’s prestigious three-year JD/MBA program. “It was the Bill Cosby trial,” says Oh, who moved to Philadelphia from Connecticut with her family when she was in high school and graduated from Penn State. “The first trial ended in a mistrial and I was reporting for CBS 3 outside the courthouse and it was pure chaos; there was so much emotion. I felt powerless in that moment because I could only report on the outcome of the case rather than have a deep, working knowledge of the law that could help change the outcome. That was what inspired me to go to law school. I covered the retrial and conviction about a year later in 2018, right before I started classes. That was a full-circle moment for me.” In the midst of classes, student government and pro bono work, Oh moonlights as a Philly style blogger, chronicling both her outfits and outings on Oh, Anita. She started the blog during her time at CBS 3 so she had a creative outlet while covering heavy, emotional stories. Her sartorial side hustle has paid off, landing her campaigns with Center City District and Four Seasons Philadelphia. Oh’s latest career aspirations merge all of her passions. “I intend to start working in law and focus on emerging companies, and eventually launch my own company in the fashion and tech space with a focus on social impact.” The secret to Oh’s success has been hard work, purpose and staying focused on her goals, from leaving her first TV gig in Georgia to pursue a job in a larger media market like her hometown to launching a style blog and even applying to law school. “I’ve been underestimated as a woman and as an Asian American, and those were challenges to overcome,” she says. “It is a privilege to be able to pursue a dream. Not everyone gets the chance to do so. Even if no one else believes in you... believe in yourself.”
7AM: Work on the Blog
“I organize my day, catch up on news, and work on my blog. I could never have dreamed that simply pursuing something I was passionate about would translate into opportunities to work with some premier brands, such as the Four Seasons and Porsche.” Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, 1 N. 19th St., 215.419.5000, fourseasons.com
8AM: Grab a Coffee from K'Far
“I’m 100% a morning person! My favorite morning routine involves an intense workout followed by strong coffee. On a perfect day with time to spare, I love stopping by K’Far for a Yemenite latte and pistachio sticky bun.” 110 S. 19th St., 267.800.7200, kfarcafe.com
8:30AM: Head to Class
“My days are filled with coursework and meetings at the Wharton School and Penn Law. Some of my most valuable and stimulating classes right now include securities regulation, artificial intelligence law and corporate finance.”
9:30PM: Cocktails at Ranstead Room
“I don’t drink often, but I gravitate toward good vibes and deep conversation. I’d choose a night of cocktails at the Ranstead Room with a small group of friends over a wild night out.” 2013 Ranstead St., 215.563.3330, ransteadroom.com
Photography by: Photos by Danielle Nowak; Anita Oh's makeup by Victoria Roggio Beauty, dress by BHLDN
