By Bryan Schwartzman
The Laurelton Medical Center on 225th Street and Merrick Boulevard has been treating patients since October, but last week marked its official dedication and open house to the community.
“This is a very big deal,” said Ray Barett, the former president of the Federated Blocks of Laurelton.
While Laurelton is an upper-middle-class community, residents are used to having to drive to downtown Jamaica or Valley Stream in Long Island for a good part of their medical treatment. But now residents can go to the Laurelton Medical Center for pediatrics, physical therapy, surgery, endocrinology, podiatry, nutrition, and a host of other specialties.
“I raised four kids in this neighborhood and anytime one of them got sick, I would have to drive 15 to 20 minutes in order to see a doctor,” said Amanda Clark, who has announced she will run for city council in 2001.
“This is the biggest and most modern building in Laurelton,” said its owner and founder, Dr. Samuel Akuoku. He had a small storefront doctor's office on 225th Street, but he said when the landlord of the block died in 1998, he told his family he wanted the block sold to Akuoku.
So Akuoku struggled and eventually got a bank loan to buy the row of stores, and then took out more loans to construct an entire second floor where the center is now based.
“I wanted a place where my patients could feel comfortable,” he said. The spacious office has more than 10 examination rooms and is highlighted by a skylight which allows the sun to illuminate the office.
Since the new office opened two months ago, the number of patients has doubled, said Akuoku. One of his better known patients is U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans.)
Akuoku grew up in a small town in Ghana, West Africa and went to the University of Ghana Medical School. He came to the United States in 1984 and did his residency at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn.
He first opened his doctor's office in Laurelton in 1990, where he and his wife lived until 1995.
“He made his money and then reinvested it in this neighborhood,” said Herman Tong, the medical practice administrator. “For once, we have something here that is not profit motivated.”
Akuoku always had plans to expand his practice, and in 1993 he went back to school to get his masters in business administration.
“I came with nothing, except my education,” he said. “In this country everything is possible.”
The open house consisted of free tests and screenings done for cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Toward the end of the snowy afternoon there was a short dedication ceremony.
Former U.S. Rep. Floyd Flake (D-St. Albans) was expected to make the keynote address, but Akuoku said he canceled his appearance in order to answer questions about why he pulled his name from the list of candidates for the post of U.S. education secretary in the Bush cabinet.
“This is the type of development that we support,” said Patrick Jenkins, a liaison for Meeks and a Community Board 12 member.
“This is a hallmark spot for southeast Queens,” said state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans.)
Most residents say Laurelton's main thoroughfare, Merrick Boulevard, does not reflect the upscale neighborhood with tire shops, small food stores and restaurants lining the street.
“We all support you, and we will support you when you buy the building across the street,” Smith said jokingly.
