Atwood Pharmacy

A family-owned independent pharmacy that works for you

by Jennifer Coates In today’s world of big box chain stores, nothing seems less personal than a big box pharmacy store. Long lines of customers who “take a number” to hold their place in the queue. Aisles lined with knick knacks, crunchy snacks, and random incidentals. A huge corporation which directs from some distant office, far from the faces and people it serves. For many, these chain stores feel like their only option. Where else, they ask, can they get the much needed and closely safeguarded medications they so often urgently need?

Well, Zahan Akbar, a Rhode-Island raised Doctor of pharmacy, is here to tell you that there is not only another option to the big box stores, there is a far better option. That option is a familyowned, independent pharmacy, one just like his newly opened pharmacy in Johnston. Zahan Akbar graduated from URI’s College of Pharmacy in 2015. He is from a long line of family members who own independent pharmacies in Maryland and New York and who laid the foundation for what would become his own important work. In addition to this family legacy, Akbar is also married to a Yaleeducated clinical pharmacist, his wife, Hania. This is a family commitment at every level, both personal and professional.

Following his graduation from URI, Akbar left Rhode Island and worked for five years as a manager of two CVS pharmacies in Connecticut. While in these capacities, he filled thousands of prescriptions but when he left this well-known retail chain, he may have felt more learned, but he definitely felt less connected to his profession ~ and to his customers. This experience led to the realization of a different kind of vision, the inception of Atwood Pharmacy.

Atwood Pharmacy opened its doors in late June. Today, the pharmacy literally gleams with newness with its sparkling white walls, meticulously stocked shelves, and opento-view, secure section for your prescription medications. Behind the counter, you will meet Dr. Akbar and his able Pharmacy Manager, Jester Lippert. Lippert, a Cranston native, also adds his considerable business acumen to this fledgling business. This dynamic duo is completely invested in the care and safety of their customers.

Akbar and Leppert are joined by longtime pharmacist Greg Natale who, after years in the field, lends his expertise as a parttime pharmacist and consultant. The goal of this unified team is to turn what is thought of as an “Option Three” into the ONLY option for the residents of

their community, one that will endure the test of time. . . and competition.

Atwood Pharmacy offers so much more than one might expect. This is a one-stop shop for everything that larger chains offer, but on a smaller, more personal scale. The store has everything one might need from first- aid products to compression-wear, medical devices such as canes, grab bars and crutches (to name a few) to over-the-counter medications, and so much more.

If there is anything a customer can’t find within the walls of the pharmacy, Akbar will get it within 24 hours. He is diligent and proactive in fulfilling the varied requests of his customers. This is, in fact, one of the things that sets independent pharmacist’s like Zahan Akbar apart from their chain store competitors – they are in close contact with what their customers need. From a private consultation room to active resources in the community, Akbar has access to pharmaceuticals and healthrelated products that are not typically found on the shelves. For those who don’t want to stand in those long lines for vaccinations such as the Covid shot or other immunizations such as the shingles shot, meningitis (don’t forget to get your collegebound student inoculated!), flu shots and boosters for tetanus, etc., they can also come right to Atwood Pharmacy. Such a different experience awaits them here.

Many who have been longtime customers at their local “big box” pharmacy may be intimidated by the thought of transferring to Atwood Pharmacy. Have no fear! Thanks to the input of Lippert and the creation of a simple document, this is actually a hassle-free and simple process. Just fill out an easy form, submit it Atwood Pharmacy and they take care of everything else. If you have any questions, the team at this independent pharmacy is always there for you. Longevity in the industry of independent pharmacies depends on outstanding, exceptional customer service. These amenities include such provisions as home deliveries, confidential consultations, and an impeccable record of safety and professionalism. These are services that are promised every day at Atwood Pharmacy.

Visit Atwood Pharmacy today. It is located at 1302 Atwood Avenue (Unit 2) on the corner of Central Avenue in Johnston. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 7:00pm, Saturdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm. To learn more, visit them at www.AtwoodPharmacy. com. Call 401-300-4443 today to begin the easy process of transferring your prescriptions.