Dr. Arunkumar F. Patel

Dr. Arunkumar F. Patel, respected psychiatrist, passed away April 17, 2006, at the University of Michigan Hospital.
Dr. Patel was born in Surat, India, on October 12, 1943. He developed an interest in medicine at an early age by observing his father, Dr. Fakirbahai Patel. He was greatly influenced by the simplicity and devotional nature of his mother, Sitaben Patel. He was greatly influenced by his parents' deep love for the family and the community. Their generosity towards the less fortunate helped mold Dr. Patel's personality. "Dr. Patel was a gentleman, a man of gentle nature and kindness. His enduring commitment to his patients, his professionalism, leadership and friendship will be deeply missed by all of us", said Frank Ayers, retired CEO of the Rescue Mental Health Services.
He attended Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Jamshedpur, India and graduated with M.B.B.S. degree in 1969. He practiced medicine in India for 6 years. Dr. Patel arrived in the United States in 1975. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Ohio and earned his Board Certification in 1979. In addition to being Board Certified in general Psychiatry, he is also Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Patel has been in private practice since 1979. He has been actively involved in teaching the residents and medical students at the Medical College of Ohio and Lake Erie Osteopathic School of Medicine. He felt that education is the most important tool in communicating with his patients and students. "Toledo Psychiatric Community has lost a great leader" said Dr. Pratap Torsekar, Medical Director, Harbor Behavioral Health Center. "I was privileged to be associated with Dr. Patel since 1976. He excelled not only as a clinician but proved to be the most dependable colleague and a great friend."
Dr. Patel served as a Delegate of the Ohio Psychiatric Association and as the Medical Director of both the Rescue Crisis Mental Health Services and of the Psychiatric and Behavioral Services of St. Charles Mercy Hospital. He has served as a consultant for the Unison Center. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for both the Alliance of the Mentally Ill of Toledo and the Depression and Manic Depression Association. Dr. Patel also served the severely mentally ill underprivileged population of Toledo. He has been recognized for his leadership in starting the free mental health clinic for the homeless.
Dr. Patel has been recognized as the Provider of the Year by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of the Toledo in 1995. His recognition as an Exemplary Psychiatrist for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in 1996 came as no surprise to all of his colleagues. His dedication to the field of education was recognized when he was awarded the Teaching Preceptor of the Year in 1997 by the Lake Erie Osteopathic School of Medicine. In 2001, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the DMDA. In addition to his services in the field of psychiatry, he donated his time and services to the International Institute. He was recognized for his contributions to the Institute in 2000 when he was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. He also served as a Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Hindu Temple of Toledo. "He was the most dedicated professional and always did what was best for his patients. From the beginning he was my mentor and best friend and most wonderful colleague" said Dr. Kulbhushan Gupta.
He is survived by his loving wife, Hema Patel; daughters, Dr. Jesal A. Patel (Dr. Shawn A. Dornhecker) and Dr. Toral A. Patel; granddaughter, Sia A. Dornhecker and brother, Dr. Jitendra Patel.
Friends may visit at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., (west of Corey Rd.) on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 p.m. at the funeral home (There will be no service on Friday as previously announced.) Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to the Hindu Temple of Toledo, 4336 King Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560. or to The Dr. Arunkumar F. Patel Memorial Fund, Unison Behavioral Health Group, P.O. Box 10015, Toledo, OH 43699-0015. Condolences may be sent to www.walkerfuneralhomes