Dr. Prasad Kakarala saw his last patients at Tiffin Pediatrics on Thursday, May 28, closing a career spent caring for Seneca County children across multiple generations. The longtime pediatrician marked the day with a public message of thanks to the families he served.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Kakarala wrote:

I would like to convey my deepest thanks and gratitude from the very bottom of my heart to all the area parents for trusting me with the health and well being of their children all these years.

Coming to Tiffin has proven to be one of the very best decisions of my entire life. I had an extremely satisfying and tremendously successful professional career doing what I love most—taking care of thousands and thousands of children these past nearly 50 years and seeing them grow up over the years with many eventually returning with children of their own.

I wish everyone health, happiness, and peace.

Thank you all,

Prasad C. Kakarala, MD

Kakarala’s retirement was announced in April, when the practice confirmed his final day in the office would be May 28. Board-certified and holding the designations MD, DCH, and FAAP, he served Tiffin families for more than 45 years and spent roughly three decades as a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

The practice remains open

Tiffin Pediatrics continues to operate under new ownership at 455 W. Market St., Suite A. Dr. Amna Hilal has been named medical director, and nurse practitioners Samantha Dotson, APRN, and Whitney Stine, APRN, are continuing to see patients and serve as clinical leaders. The practice has said it is accepting new patients.

Kakarala has said he will remain available in the coming months to help with the transition of care.