The Family Chemist

Daniela Berlinkova, Pharm.D. Candidate 2025

The Family Chemist presenting to the Sharks

In New York State, a staggering 19.7% of children have a special care need and nearly 485,000 school aged children are living with a disability. It may take weeks in advance to schedule appointments with pediatricians and pediatric pharmacists and there is currently an absence of pediatric focused pharmacies in NYS. In the meantime, parents are left with few options to recieve healthcare advice for their children. In addition, these children often require long-term medication regimens and may have difficulty swallowing pills. Because of these challenges, I, together with Mohamad Alhanbali, Youssef Arel, Mahmoud Shahin, and Deniel Tarnopolskiy established “The Family Chemist” to fill this void by establishing a community pharmacy catering specifically to children. We would offer access to specialized pharmacists specialized in pediatric care, ensuring meticulous attention to each child's unique needs. In addition to pediatric-focused care and compounding services, we would also provide access to a curated selection of developmental and therapeutic toys to support cognitive, sensory, and emotional growth. These products are not only used for children of all ages but also offer a holistic approach to complement medical interventions. Recognizing the scarcity of such products, even on online shops, this business seeks to provide parents with a unique, comprehensive environment with the tools parents need to nurture their children’s health and development. The forefront of our business idea, however, is a commitment to providing trust, support, and expert knowledge to parents navigating the complexities of pediatric healthcare. With the current challenges patients face, The Family Chemist would be a sanctuary, offering parents peace of mind, knowing that their children's well-being is entrusted to compassionate, specialized caregivers. In essence, The Family Chemist isn't merely a business venture; it's a testament to our unwavering dedication to redefining pediatric care, one prescription and toy at a time. With compassion as our guiding principle, we hope to foster a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.