Founded in 2009 by Dr.Sabri Ibrahim, Pharmacy of America is a microenterprise that speaks legacy. With eight different locations around North Philadelphia and specialized in rapid service and delivery Pharmacy of America offers a personalized experience that sets them aside from any other pharmacy in the city. Dr. Ibrahim’s journey began with a vision to open 7 pharmacies within a 7-mile radius in under 7 years, a dream that seemed impossible in the face of the challenges he faced as an immigrant. But through hard work, sacrifice, and persistence, he made his American dream a reality.
Dr. Sabri Ibrahim’s story dates back to the late 1940s when his parents were forced to flee Palestine, during the Arab-Israeli war and immigrated to Kuwait. Despite their prosperity in this land, the constant fear of being expelled from a foreign land made their lives uneasy. Sabri’s father yearned to move to the United States for a more stable future. In 1990, Sabri’s family took a family vacation to the US. But when the Gulf War broke out, they were unable to return to their home in Kuwait, they were stranded in a foreign land yet again with nothing but a few possessions they had packed for their trip. Overnight, they lost everything they had ever owned, and were forced to start again.
With family at the heart of North Philadelphia, Sabri’s parents found familiarity in the United States. But as undocumented immigrants, they were ineligible for government assistance and faced an uphill battle to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Sabri remained determined to pursue his education at Olney Highschool, even if it meant working odd jobs from a young age. In his early years, he sold water bottles and candies to his classmates, and took on tasks like housekeeping and lawn care to support himself. This passion for learning continued through college, where Sabri worked a Jack & Jill ice cream truck, a restaurant job, and a position at the art museum, to pay for his studies. Even as his brothers dropped out of school due to financial hardship, Sabri was driven to fulfill his career.
Dr. Ibrahim had aspired to become a medical doctor, but despite being accepted into three different medical schools, he was unable to pursue that path due to the cost of tuition. Undeterred, he set his sights on a career in pharmacy, graduating from Temple University’s School of Pharmacy with his PharmD in 2003. Though he had not realized his original dream of becoming a doctor, Dr. Ibrahim saw his work in pharmacy as an opportunity to make a real difference in his community. After graduating with his PharmD, Sabri joined Rite Aid and spent a decade working his way up the corporate ladder. He eventually rose to the position of Regional VP of Pharmacy Operations, overseeing more than 200 stores and managing billion-dollar operations. Despite his success at Rite Aid, Dr. Ibrahim was drawn to pursue his own vision, fueled by his intimate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of chain pharmacies. He knew that he could do better, and so he set out to establish his own enterprise, determined to provide unparalleled service and an exceptional customer experience. It was a bold move, but one that would ultimately lead to the founding of Pharmacy of America.
With eight successful locations across North Philadelphia, Dr. Ibrahim has proven that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. The flagship store located at 4654 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 holds a special place in Dr. Ibrahim’s heart as it marks the realization of his first dream. Today, Pharmacy of America is the largest independently-owned pharmacy in the area, with 125 employees. Sabri hopes to expand and grow further, while remaining vigilant and aware of the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industry. It is a fine line to tread, but Sabri is determined to operate within the bounds of the law and continue providing exceptional service to the community he loves.
Dr. Sabri Ibrahim is not only an accomplished entrepreneur but also a respected professor at Temple University. When he’s not busy running his business or teaching, he enjoys indulging in various hobbies like traveling, swimming, watching movies, and spending quality time with his kids. Dr. Ibrahim’s name holds great significance as it means ‘patience’, and he is a living embodiment of how perseverance, hard work, and a kind heart can help you achieve your dreams. His passion for life and his commitment to the community serve as an inspiration to many.
