In this fast-paced world, a patient seeking medical care can oftentimes be left to feel like just another number.
A new pharmacist in Westbury says he wants to change that by offering personal and specialized care to every person who walks through the door at his new pharmacy.
“I can have direct patient interaction here in Westbury,” explained Dr. Rich Malakov, owner of Post Avenue Pharmacy. “For me, good service comes first and that starts with making each patient feel special and meeting their needs.”
Post Avenue Pharmacy marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 24. Visitors to the store will see Malakov behind the counter, as he fulfills his lifelong dream of opening up his own pharmacy.
“Taking care of people is a passion of mine and it’s great to be doing it,” said Malakov.
It seems being a pharmacist is in the genes for Malakov, who has several family members who are pharmacists themselves.
“I have an aunt and many cousins who are all pharmacists,” he said. “I have been working with them since I graduated high school to learn the business.”
That hands-on experience started during his freshman year of college as a student at Long Island University. Malakov worked tirelessly to educate himself in all areas of the business, both inside and outside of the classroom.
After several internships in college where he worked in a variety of settings, it became apparent the direction he wanted his career to take.
“I realized I want to be able to work firsthand with people helping them with their needs. Eventually I ended up running several of the pharmacies,” Malakov proudly proclaimed.
He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree last May, and after years of planning, put himself to work finding just the right location to open his own pharmacy. He scoped out many locations across Long Island and said when he found the vacant Westbury site, he knew it was a perfect fit.
“The Westbury community has that home type feel that I was looking for,” he said. “Which is exactly the type of care that I really want to give to the patients that come to me.”
Malakov specializes in medications to treat diabetes, high cholesterol and infectious diseases, in addition to the standard medicines. He will be offering Blister Packs and Unidose options and specialty drugs to patients as well.
Post Avenue Pharmacy is located at 173 Post Ave. For more information, call 516-334-1444.
