Macon Volunteer Clinic (MVC) proudly recognizes two Healthcare Heroes for extraordinary service to its mission during 2022.  These awardees are Samer Othman, DDS and Mike Lotta.   They were recognized at MVC’s annual ‘DocStock’ celebration April 27 at Fall Line Brewery.

Dr. Samer Othman has been advancing Macon Volunteer Clinic’s mission for 15 years, serving in multiple capacities. He’s answered phones and scribed for volunteer physicians, and for the last 10 years, he’s provided essential dental care to our patients – both at our Clinic and in his own private practice.  In addition, Dr. Othman has served on our board since 2017.

Dr. Othman grew up in Macon, attended Stratford Academy, and earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from Mercer University. He then earned an MPH from Nova Southeastern and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University. He returned to Macon to establish his private practice, Advanced Dental Arts.

Mike Liotta began volunteering at Macon Volunteer Clinic in 2010, serving as a phlebotomist when our lab work was performed in-house.  In 2020, LabCorp began providing our lab services. This did not deter Mike from returning after the pandemic shut-down. When we re-opened with strict safety measures, he became a COVID-19 screener, cheerfully checking temperatures and symptoms of all who entered our building.

Originally from small town Pennsylvania, Mike began his career as a medical technologist in western New York. Upon moving to Georgia, he added a BBA degree, worked in the Cochran and Warner Robins hospitals, and then landed at The Medical Center, where he retired as a Lab Manager in 2010.     

“We thank these 2022 Healthcare Heroes – and all our volunteers – for their selfless support throughout our 20 years of service,” states MVC Executive Director Nancy White.  “They certainly make a difference in the lives of our patients who by virtue of qualifying for our services, are already struggling with food, rent and other basic needs that most of us take for granted.  Each day that these volunteers appear in our building, they bring energy, brightness, magnanimity of spirit, and hope.”

In 2022, 4692 volunteer hours were contributed to MVC.  To learn how to become a volunteer with MVC, call (478) 755-1110, x. 130, or visit maconvolunteerclinic.org.

Macon Volunteer Clinic was established in 2003 and is powered by philanthropy and voluntarism.   Its purpose is to foster a community where all working adults, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, can lead healthy and productive lives.  To be eligible for its services – at no cost – patients must reside in Macon-Bibb or Twiggs County, work, be between 18-64 years of age, have no health insurance, and earn at or lower than 200% of the Federal Poverty Limits.