Fausto González Chavero, now 54, recently said goodbye to his familiar pharmacy in the Hortaleza neighborhood of Madrid. On that day, nearly two hundred people gathered at the door—neighbors, friends, and regular customers. For many, his departure came as a surprise and a touching event. Over the years, he became more than just a pharmacist; he was a true friend and advisor to local residents.
These days, you can find Fausto at La Llama café in Chamberí, where he spends his mornings over a cup of coffee. He doesn’t like to talk about himself or attract attention, but he agrees to share his story. His decision to leave the pharmacy stemmed from a desire to spend more time with his family: his wife, daughter, and elderly parents. Fausto’s father survived two heart attacks and two bouts of cancer, and now his son wants to be by his side.
Family Roots
Pharmacy isn’t just a coincidence for Fausto. His great-grandfather, also named Fausto González, was a pharmacist in the village of La Guardia (Toledo), and his grandfather worked there as a doctor. Though Fausto dreamed of practicing medicine, he couldn’t enroll in the right program in Madrid and began studying pharmacy while staying in his hometown. Over time, he realized that working at a pharmacy was his true calling, as it allowed him to be close to people and help them every day.
As a child, Fausto was often ill, broke bones, and there were always adults around ready to help. This experience, along with caring for his grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s, shaped his special attitude toward the elderly. He recalls helping his mother take care of his grandmother when his brothers already lived separately. It was then that he learned to understand and support the older generation, which later became an important part of his work.
A Human Approach
Fausto is convinced: the main thing in his profession is not only knowledge, but also the ability to listen, empathize, and be there for others. He doesn’t consider himself the most knowledgeable pharmacist, but he always tried to offer his customers more than just advice about medications. For many, his pharmacy became a place to have heartfelt conversations, discuss family matters, and share joys and concerns.
He remembers how often he would stay after his shift to listen to another visitor. Sometimes these conversations would last for hours, but Fausto never regretted the time spent. He believes that this trust and attention are what made his work special. According to him, without the support and openness of the neighborhood residents, he wouldn’t have been able to fulfill himself the way he wanted.
Passing the Baton
Now, a new pharmacist has taken Fausto’s place, and the residents welcomed him warmly. Fausto tries not to visit the pharmacy so as not to interfere with his successor’s integration into the team and building relationships with customers. He is confident that the new specialist will do well, especially since there’s now another staff member, making service faster and more convenient.
Fausto himself is not planning to retire completely. He intends to spend more time with his family but doesn’t rule out returning to work in another capacity. For now, he is enjoying a well-deserved rest and time with his loved ones.
Connection to the neighborhood
For the residents of Hortaleza, Fausto became more than just a pharmacist. His departure sparked a wave of gratitude and memories. People share stories of how he helped during difficult times, offering both words and deeds of support. Many admit they will miss his advice and kind attitude.
Fausto says he has always felt like part of a large community. He is grateful to everyone who trusted him with their concerns and joys. According to him, that’s what made his years at the pharmacy unforgettable.
If you didn’t know, Fausto González Chavero is a third-generation pharmacist who dedicated most of his life to serving people. His name is well known in Hortaleza and Chamberí, where he became a symbol of humanity and professionalism. Over the years, he has helped hundreds of residents, and his approach has set an example for colleagues. Today, Fausto continues to live in Madrid, remaining true to his principles and values.
