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Doctors First- Rakesh Malik MD Your Doctor too busy to see you ? Hate waiting for hours to be seen in Emergency Room? We offer Same-Day care for conditions that can't wait .We are also available for last-minute physicals or other non-emergency care when your doctor's office may not be able to see you. Your primary doctor will receive a full report from our physicians for your medical and follow-up care.
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Doctors First Primary Care Centers are dynamic, modern practices delivering high-quality, individualized primary care in multiple convenient locations in Maryland. We provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach to health care. Our best-in-class internists and primary care doctors are specialists in accurate diagnosis and treatment in a safe, compassionate, and friendly environment.
Board Certified Internal Medicine in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville and Columbia, MD. Rakesh Malik, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been serving residents of Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Rockville, Maryland, since 2005. He founded Doctors First, a renowned primary care practice, in 2008 and currently sees patients from the office in Columbia, Maryland.
Samantha Murray, PA-C, of Doctors First, is an experienced physician assistant serving patients in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Germantown, MD. Samantha is a native of Southern New Jersey and has had an interest in medicine from a young age. Rather than attending traditional high school, Samantha decided to enroll at Gloucester County Institute of Technology, where she majored in health science as a high school student. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in biomolecular science from The New York University Tandon School of Engineering in 2013.
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Rakesh Malik, MD
Rakesh Malik, MD
Dr Malik is Board Certified in in Internal medicine. Dr Malik went to the University College for Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India to finish his undergraduate studies. In 2003, he started his Internal Medicine Residency at Good Samaritan Hospital & Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. ER rotations at Good Sam and University of Maryland sparked his interest in Express Care (Urgent Care ). Since finishing his Medical residency in 2005, Dr Malik has worked at various Ambulatory Care Centers as well as Hospitals. He is on the medical staff at Shady Grove Hospital (Rockville), Montgomery General Hospital (Olney) and Frederick Memorial Hospital(Frederick). He is a member of Americal Medical Association, Montgomery County Medical Society & Urgent Care Association of America & ACAM in good standing.
Reviews (36)
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Marvin B.
May 25, 2022
I signed in for my appointment online and put in my new insurance information. It said I completed the sign in process so I thought everything was ok. Later in the day when I showed up for my appointment they told me that they don't take my new insurance! Why didn't they look at the information I sent in the sign in process? They should have told me first thing that they won't accept it to save me from coming in.

I mean, isn't that why I took pictures of my new insurance card and typed in my number during the online sign in? In any case, I was there to get refills on my meds that I need so I had to pay the full amount and all I needed were refills. Now I would like to tell you about when Dr Malik came to my plant nursery to buy plants. He came back a few months later and had killed 9 plants that were $125 each and I gave him 9 brand new plants no questions asked. Seems like a nice thing to do.

But the fact is.he's rich and I'm poor. Getting big returns like that affected my income. Seems like his office should have a bit better customer service so they don't screw up peoples days by not telling them they don't take insurance ahead of time. YOU HAD ALL DAY TO GET BACK TO ME! You should really refund the $150 that I paid just to get refills. I will be posting other bad reviews unless this matter is rectified. I will also say the Samantha Murray was always very kind and helpful to me.
Ann Adjei
May 22, 2022
Very nice workers and understanding people. Dr Samantha Murray is my physician and she is awesome. They were able to help me get an appointment the same day and I requested to do that online and they did. I love the flexibility and how caring everyone is. Thank you.
Hayley Dutton
May 19, 2022
Dr. Nguyen is great. He seems genuinely concerned for his patients well being and continues to follow up. The office is clean and the nurses are polite. They also do blood work in office, which is convenient.
Zuzana Olajcova
May 17, 2022
Dr. Murray provided an excellent care. She is very thorough in examination and answers every question in details. She has warm personality and makes me feel comfortable. I would highly recommend her care.
Rob Dowling
Apr 22, 2022
My family and I are relatively new patients with Doctors First Primary Care and we've been happy that we chose this Medical Practice. I've had positive and satisfying experiences from the Front Desk Staff to the Techs, Doctors, and PA's, and when having labwork done! Mrs. Murray is patient with me and supportive of my needs. I never feel rushed. Her overall level of care has been terrific. I appreciate her calming demeanor and I feel completely at ease talking with her and sharing information. Thank you.
Dyanna Rivera
Apr 18, 2022
This office is AMAZING some of the many things that I love is that they send me my check in paper work a couple of days before my appointment when I confirm my appointment via text so that way when I go I don't have to fill out any paper work! They are super sweet and kind! The girls on the front desk are wonderful and extremely helpful. My doctor is extremely respectful and attentive to all my medical needs. Their office is extremely clean which is a mega plus, This is the best doctor I have EVER had!.
Carlos Gonzalez
Mar 26, 2022
Nice medical office in Germantown MD. The receptionist are great and welcoming of any new client. Dr. Nguyen was very empathetic to my situation. He asked lots of probing questions and made great recommendations. The service I received was excellent and I would highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for a good doctor!
Dianna Agape
Mar 19, 2022
I have been a patient for many years, close to 10. I really appreciate the welcoming and friendly reception staff and medical assistants. My current physician Dr. Samantha Murray is GREAT also, she is very caring, knowledgeable and listens to all my concerns. The Lab Technician from Florida is very gentle and the best painless phlebotomist I know. I'm here to STAY, & VERY GRATEFUL
Sang Cho
Mar 02, 2022
Dr. Nguyen is super friendly and asked detailed question about my medical condition. staff is also very informative and friendly. i arrived on time ans i saw the doctor immediately. there is no waiting period, which is very rare for doctor office and i want to give big credit for that! recommend anyone who need primary physician!
Bonnie Gaither
Feb 16, 2022
I was nervous changing doctors after being with one for over 14 years, but the staff here was so kind! Dr. Samantha Murray was excellent and made me feel comfortable. I believe I made the right choice! I am a Happy New Patient!
Joseph Harris
Jan 09, 2022
*** Happy Holidays to all the staff at Doctors First Primary Care *** Special thanks to Dr. Nguyen for his service! Dr. Nguyen has been my primary doctor for the past 9-months and my experience with him and at Doctors First Primary Care has been nothing but positive. The environment is friendly, calm, and relaxing, and Dr. Nguyen consistently provides me with constructive feedback and sound advice related to preventive and ongoing health management.

The strong rapport Dr. Nguyen and I have established is because of his engaging personality and the continuing progress I have experienced over time based on his advice. One nice thing about Doctors First Primary Care is that I can access my medical records directly through their website portal, when logged into my account, so whenever I have lab work performed, I can review the results in advance of my visit for discussion with Dr. Nguyen.

I can also review medical history and notes related to past office visits. I typically don't give reviews but people should be aware of the great service Dr. Nguyen provides. I would encourage anyone who may be new to the area or simply searching for an excellent doctor to consider scheduling a visit with Dr. Nguyen. You won't regret the decision!
Summer P.
Jul 27, 2021
I went to this place a few months ago to get some bloodwork done because I was having some pretty bad stomach issues. I went back today and the lady at the front desk was horrible. She was so rude and told me I have never gone there before even though I got my blood tests not that long ago. Cant they check on their system that I had been there prior to this day? Also, Dr. Maliks name is on my insurance card and she told me they never took my insurance before and never will. Horrible staff with horrible service.
Tonya M.
Jul 20, 2021
I have been a patient at Doctor's FIrst for over 10 years. Dr. Malik is a doctor that seems to care about his patients and listens to their concerns. I was seeing a physician Assistant that I really liked and had a good repor with but she left the practice. I was "assigned " a new PA. Our first encounter did not go well, second was better but the third time was the charm.

I have never been treated with such disregard about MY Health care in many years. Molly comes in with her mind made up and if she decides it's something she does not believe in or simply does not want to do, she does not listen to the patient. My most recent ( and last) vist with her, she refused to fill out FMLA paperwork for an illness that I have been covered for many years and no other doctor in that practice ever had an issue filling it out.

My first visit she told me that she did not prescribe a certain medication ( which I understand) and that I could feel free to go somewhere else. She doesn't discuss it and dismisses you. I thought this was a let's get used to each other moment but today sealed the deal. Learn to respect your patients or I am sure my review won't be that last that reads like this. Sincerely disapointed, Tonya Mitchell
Dgtlj J.
Mar 12, 2020
If I could give zero stars I would. Unprofessional. Uncaring. Unbelievable. I've been waiting to move from this practice. Their latest incompetence has given me incentive to do so. See ya!
Rina R.
Feb 19, 2020
I am a new patient of Samantha Murray at Doctors First. I must say that I am very impressed with the quality of care, level of professionalism and warmth I have experienced there. I'm grateful.
Debra B.
Feb 03, 2020
She is always up to date on my well being. Respectable person. I highly recommend seeing her, if you want a great doctor.
Maurice B.
Dec 30, 2019
I was so pleased and impressed with the time and thoroughness Dr. Qureshi showed in examining me to deal with my chest congestion and general cold/flu-like condition. Dr. Qureshi's treatment plan and planned Rx for relieving my condition is most welcome and appreciated. The time she took to focus on me directly and my issues were fantastic.
Cindy L.
Dec 16, 2019
I would give higher stars if possible. I lived in MD for two years while on a job assignment and began having health issues. Dr. Malik took extraordinary time with me to understand the issues and responded quickly to my questions. His office uses state of the art technology to book appointments and communicate with patients. He and his staff are first rate!
Reecie J.
Dec 04, 2019
This is by far the best facility I've been to. The staff are kind, helpful, and caring. Dr. LaPointe is AWESOME. Wait time wasn't bad, and they help you through the registration process if you're a first time patient. Will definitely recommend these guys to anyone interested.
Harvard The B.
Oct 07, 2019
Far and away the most unprofessional and incompetent staff I've ever encountered. Ms. Murray incorrectly informed me that their lab would test for the condition I was concerned about. It was only when I asked the tech taking my blood that I learned they did not. She then gave me two referrals to places that she promised tested for the condition.

I made appointments, only to find the first didn't and then I called the second place and found they didn't either. Then when I found the place in my own, the office refused to fax my records over despite the secretary calling three times. Just horrible.
Ursula P.
Jul 25, 2019
The name describes it all. I had just moved to Montgomery Village and had a terrible backache. Since I did not have a primary care physician yet, I called up Doctors First. Turns out the doctor wasn't available for six weeks, so I ended up with their PAC. She asked what was wrong, took my vitals and prescribed steroids without ever touching my back.

They did not help at all and after a week, I found a new doctor. I called them that I didn't need their follow-up anymore. In spite of that, they called me twice and Dr. Malik even wrote me a letter regarding my "sick appointment." When the bill came, the had billed me for an extended office visit, while I was there for less than 10 minutes. No help for 149.50!

The office staff is rude, ignoring me while singing to their song. Once I called back within two minutes and they had no idea who I was. Their behavior should have warned me. Never, ever will I go back to Doctors First!
Ana A.
Jun 09, 2019
Dr.Djahanmir, is excellent Dr. he always listen to your needs and provide you with the best will recommend Dr.First
Amber M.
Jun 04, 2019
The most unprofessional, incompetent doctors office ever. Dr, Malik is a fraud and only cares about money. My whole family went there. He did not notify my grandmother of a blood pressure medicine recall, I had to call and let them know to call their patients. He ended up switching her and she ended up in the hospital, because he did not monitor her as he was supposed.

He denied my mother of her medication that she is supposed to take everyday. There is a high turn around with staff, so people you would see for appointments one month won't be there the next time you go. He is horrible and I wouldn't recommend his office to my enemies.
Sedia T.
May 20, 2019
It took them almost a week to get the results of the blood work back to my mom and we couldn't get in touch with the actual doctor. They didn't even call when they had the results we had to keep calling them and asking if they were ready. My mom was also not prescribed anything for an infection they said she had but we couldn't ask for a prescription bc the doctor was on vacation or something.

And the phone is a dead end when trying to contact them. We were on hold for 10 minutes and then it just sent us to voicemail. Left a voicemail and no one got back to us. If you have the choice you might as well go somewhere else.
Maria G.
Feb 19, 2019
Renee is wonderful, I have been her patient for about 3 years and I don’t have any complaints about her. She is always ready to listen and takes her time to address my questions. I’m very happy with her and very glad I found her. Thank you Renee for your dedication and for taking care of me.
Kristle S.
Nov 09, 2018
Front desk were very nice and professional. Zorina Thomas was Extremely professional, knowledgeable and genuinely ready to take care of me. I had no clue this office was here but I am glad I stumbled across it. Iam glad I am in her care now.
Irene E.
Nov 02, 2018
Dr. Malik has been my Primary care for almost 5 years now I was very happy about my experience and recommended him to family and friends. Lately. I have been seeing the PA-C Ms. Renee Lapointe and I couldnt be more happier. Ms. Renee is very thorough on examination, she takes time to listen to your needs and for some reason I tent to get anxious inside a doctor's office but she always set a comfortable vibe inside the room, she always make sure she answer all my questions before I leave the office.

There were times I have to contact/ send her a message thru patient portal and she always responds quickly. I just had my Annual Physical done which I need to have some lab drawn there's a laboratory next door and I also have a great experience with their service and staff. The results came back so quick and received a message from the PA the next day regarding my results. Overall, I highly recommend this Doctor's office, plus there's no long wait and easy to book appointments.
Evelin S.
Aug 01, 2018
Dr. Djahanmir is a great addition to this office. He is very attentive and really takes the time to listen to your concerns and gives great suggestions on how to better your health.
Farrah J.
Apr 21, 2018
I've been going to this practice for three years now and I would not go anywhere else. They have extended hours, which is very convenient. I am always able to get an appointment whenever I need one. They have an online patient portal where you can view your labs and test results, & communicate with your doctor about medical questions and prescription refills.

In my experience, I have always received a prompt response. They have a lab that can draw your blood right in the office instead of referring out to LabCorp. I see Brittany and she is fantastic. Always takes her time and never makes me feel rushed. I have had to contact them after hours in emergency situations and Dr. Malik always returned my call promptly and with good advice. Would recommend to any and all in search of a PCP.
Zach F.
Oct 10, 2017
First visit and WOW what a difference from our last office. We were confirmed via text multiple times via text and set up our online portal which tracks all our visits and notes. The staff is friendly and VERY organized. We were seen early which never happens and the PA Dr Thomas was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Erich Y.
Aug 28, 2017
I've been here twice, and so far so good. The staff is nice and helpful, and it's in a good location for people in the Gaithersburg/Germantown area. Facilities seem new and are bright and clean. I haven't had any trouble with booking an appointment. Seems like a great place for people like me, who are looking for a place to visit a few times a year for basic things like preventative care, physical exams, and medication management. There seems to be only one doctor at this location, but there are multiple nurse practitioners on staff. Recommended.
Melissa N.
Feb 07, 2017
This morning I had an appointment with Dr. Malik after having ear pain for a couple of days. This was my first visit to this clinic as my old doctor stopped practicing. My first impression of the office wasnt a bad one. It's a clean office in a nice building. While waiting to be called back I was turned off to hear the front desk staff talking negatively about a patient that had just called.

It was at that moment I realized I was having second thoughts about Doctors First. When I was called back to an exam room a young woman came in to check my vitals and weight. Shortly after another young woman came in to do an exam on my ears & throat. Not once did I actually see Dr. Malik, whom I had an appointment with. Once the exam was complete I was told two prescriptions would be called into my pharmacy.

After giving the pharmacy information to the front desk, and confirming they had faxed the prescriptions, I drove to CVS to pick up my medication. Of course they hadn't received anything from Dr. Maliks office. Pretty frustrating. While standing in the pharmacy I called Dr. Maliks office, and of course, they were closed for an hour lunch. While listening to the automated answering machine I pressed the option to speak with a nurse, hoping they would be able to call in my prescription.

A woman answered and told me I would need to call back after their lunch break. I asked if anyone could help resolve the issue, and save me a trip back to the pharmacy as I wasn't going to wait at CVS for almost an hour. Again, she rudely responded that the office was closed. The office itself is modern and seems to be clean enough, which is why I rated it two stars.

I won't be returning as I don't feel they met my expectations though. Although I WILL be checking my insurance claims as I'm interested to see how my exam gets billed. I'm curious to see the name of the physician rendering services as it certainly wasn't Dr. Malik.
Brad M.
Nov 18, 2016
There are, to put it bluntly, a lot of problems with this practice. Its become extremely difficult lately to actually see Dr. Malik. They have hired a bunch of people who aren't doctors but seem to think they can still operate as doctors and charge you the same amount. Are they nice? Sure. Do they know what the hell they are doing? Who knows!

They are not doctors. Unacceptable. Most of the staff are very nice, but a couple are very rude, and lack the ability to deal with the public in a professional and courteous manner. I can only assume that it was Dr. Malik who chose to place these staff in a public-facing role. Dr. Malik's bedside manner is inconsistent. If he's in a good mood, he can be friendly and understanding, but he's also quite arrogant and inflexible, and is not good at focusing on your physical complaints and trying to solve them.

He rushes through appointments and is not interested in listening to your feedback, other than directly answering the questions he asks. His non-doctor minions do not communicate with him on medical advise/course of treatment and I have received inconsistent advice and demands from them and Dr. Malik. When I called in to his office with a simple request, I was greeted by a staffer with an extremely rude and petulant attitude, and that was the final straw.

Word to the wise: Doctors are only employed as long as they serve satisfactorily. Bottom line: I cannot recommend going here for medical treatment, as there are better doctors and better offices, who have more compassion and act with more professionalism.
Robert D.
Jul 14, 2016
First thing, I liked Dr. Malik. Sadly, toward the end of my going to this office it seems you could no longer see Dr. Malik. That's why I started going there in the first place My complaint is with the office staff. They are the most incompetent, rude, defensive crew I have ever encountered in a doctors office. They consistently submitted my insurance claims improperly, once even submitting it to a collection agency never even notifying me it was overdue.

Like other reviewers, I have scheduled an appointment, only to find out when I arrived that I had no appointment. They don't follow through on anything you ask them to do, and then become defensive and rude when questioned about the request. I am still dealing with them over bills almost two years old that were either never submitted or submitted improperly. Dr. Malik, whip your staff into shape Your loosing patients!
Erin W.
Mar 30, 2016
I had a pretty good experience visiting this practice. First off--getting me to the doctor is like squeezing blood from a stone. I've got to be on my deathbed (Although now that I'm getting older I do take part in my work's annual blood testing to make sure i'm a-ok.) I went in because I was having enough pain in my shoulder it was interfering with life.

I saw a PA named Zorina who was pretty easy going and seemed to care. She also didn't seem to pass judgement on me for not knowing why my shoulder was hurting. (My coworkers and friends/family have all said "Well there must have been something to cause this pain".well I don't know, I lift and box. I played volleyball and squash for years).

Nor did she pass judgement when I admitted I'd probably be pretty bad at follow up care options such as PT. The one lady at the front desk was a little short with me, but I don't really see it as rude. Some people don't have a warm fuzzy personality. She seems efficient and as long as she's doing her job appropriately I don't mind.
George M.
Mar 09, 2015
Appropriately named, they put their "Doctor's (profits) First". I have been here several times and was blown away. Its not that the doctors are bad, but the entire experience leaves you feeling like you are just there to pay the bills. First of all, each person I have talked to that takes your vitals and blood are all students finishing up their required clinical hours. (money saver #1) Next, the people at the front desk act like they cant be bothered by your issues.

They hand you an iPad like tablet with a card reader to check-in/pay. If everyone that comes in here is sick, why would I want to touch that thing? Yes they could wipe it off, but the stylus goes into an internal holder and crap gets in there no matter what you clean. I came in for an eye problem and could not see well and still had to go through 20 screens.

After I had input my ailment, the device actually showed me a full screen advertisement for medication that would help with the problems I listed. I had to click "Next" to get past it. I literally laughed out loud. Why is my check-in device trying to sell me drugs? I have worked in Pharm Sales/Education and I know that companies give these to offices so that they can sell their drugs but it was just very offensive. (Money save #2) Again, its not that the doctor is bad, he himself seems like a nice guy. The whole experience however, from the sales pitch on the unsanitary check-in tablet to the the under-trained rotating staff convinced me not to go back.