Beloved North Fork Pediatrician To Retire, Set To Combine Practice

MATTITUCK, NY — A beloved Mattituck pediatrician is set to retire after 36 years of devoted service to generations of families on the North Fork — and he announced this week, in an open letter to the community, that he's set to combine his practice.

Dr. Mercier has worked tirelessly, with his wife Barbara, a nurse, by his side, treating North Fork children, and their children after them.

In a letter to his scores of patients, Dr. Thomas Mercier wrote: "To our patients and their families, We are writing this letter to inform you of some of the changes that will be taking place with our practice starting in May.

"After 40 years of practicing medicine (36 on the North Fork), it is with mixed emotions that we are announcing our retirement from active practice, effective this upcoming September.

"We have deeply appreciated the privilege to serve in this community and we are so grateful to the families and the medical community for all the kindness and confidence that has been shown to us for so many years. We have been overwhelmed with the support from everyone and the friendships that we have developed with you. It has been both a pleasure and an honor to have been a part of your health care over the years."

The decision has been made, the letter said, to combine Dr. Mercier's practice with Peconic Pediatrics of Riverhead and Southold.

"Peconic Pediatrics has been covering for us for over 10 years and we know them very well. They are a professional and experienced group of pediatricians and nurse practitioners who deliver high quality medical care in an atmosphere of compassion and understanding. They have similar values to us, understand families, and have deep respect for parents. We know that your children will be in very good hands."

The changeover will begin in May, with the Merciers remaining in their Matituck office until July, when the practice will move to Peconic Pediatrics' Southold office, located at 44210 Route 48, (Winds Way), 631-765-0050. The Riverhead office is located at 34 Commerce Drive, Suite 2, 631-722-8880. Beginning in September, Peconic Pediatrics will take over full time and the Merciers will retire.

"This is very bittersweet for us," they said.

The letter was signed, "Sincerely, and with heartfelt thanks to you, Thomas and Barbara Mercier."