The Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Award - 2024: Richard Ott ’69

2024: Richard Ott ’69

In recognition of his commitment to providing accessible healthcare to those most in need, Richard Ott ’69 is honored with this award.

Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Thomas A. Dooley, Ott continues to impress and inspire in both his medical expertise and service to others. After graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in pre professional studies, he attended the University of Florida College of Medicine, graduating with high honors. Ott went on to complete six years of training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stanford University where he developed a passion for helping those in need.

In their hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Ott and his wife, Wanda, started Interplast South, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing volunteer surgical care for children with cleft lip and palate deformities in Honduras. For over 40 years, together with volunteers, they’ve taken annual trips to San Pedro Sula to serve the local community and, in the case of extensive surgeries, brought patients back to Fort Lauderdale where Ott cared for them in his own home. 

In addition to his work in Honduras, Ott has also been at the forefront serving the medical needs of those closer to home. Following category five Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992, he accompanied the National Guard to Homestead as president of the Broward County Medical Association. There, he helped to bring three volunteer clinics and a mobile unit to provide free medical care to over 10,000 residents affected by the hurricane. A year earlier, Ott also organized a volunteer clinic at the Salvation Army Center in Fort Lauderdale for those experiencing homelessness and, in 1996, he was influential in the creation of one of the first hospital-based healing centers for complementary therapies. 

Ott’s service to others has been recognized by several groups, including the Caducean Society with its humanitarian award and Notre Dame Club of Fort Lauderdale with its Person of the Year Award. He is also the recipient of the highest award conferred by the Florida Medical Association and the outstanding alumni award (The Wall of Fame) from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Additionally, Ott is the first physician to be awarded the coveted Broward Leadership Award.

“The Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Award has tremendous meaning for me because his legacy influenced not only my decision to become a doctor, but showed me the importance of active participation in the suffering of the world. His short life demonstrated that such participation is life-enhancing.”