Passion for volunteering earns PHC doctor Humanity Award

When Dr. Nizar Kibar, MD, was asked to volunteer a portion of his weekends to helping bring medical care to the uninsured in downtown Wichita, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.

He knows what it’s like to lack financial resources, and it gave him a deeper passion to give back.

“I understand that we are not all offered the same opportunities,” Dr. Kibar said.

His efforts at Mayflower Clinic earned him a Humanity Award in September. It’s an award given to someone who has dedicated countless hours to give back to patients who could not otherwise afford medical care.

“Dr. Kibar is a fantastic physician and steadfast patient advocate,” Sarah Teaff, CEO of Patterson Health Center, said. “He understands the importance of human connection when caring for his patients. It comes as no surprise that he volunteers in his spare time to care for uninsured patients, or that he has been recognized for a Humanity Award.”

The Mayflower Clinic is a non-profit organization that offers free and low-cost medical care in Wichita. It was founded in 2010 as a way to give back to the community. Dr. Kibar joined the volunteer medical team at Mayflower Clinic in 2016, volunteering a half day every other Saturday. In 2017, he was awarded Volunteer of the Year. Later that year, he became the medical director.

His volunteer efforts also earned him the Civic Health Heroes award from the Kansas Health Foundation in 2018.

Dr. Kibar’s background gave him more of a passion to serve others who do not have money. He was born in Lebanon and grew up in a poor family. His parents were very education oriented, and they gave Dr. Kibar the motivation to get his medical degree. His father was a teacher who worked as much as he could to support his family.

His mother was a housewife and dedicated her life to the family.

Dr. Kibar has served thousands of patients at the Mayflower Clinic and he continues to volunteer as the medical director. The clinic offers free labs, x-rays and medications. The clinic recently added psychiatric care and well-woman exams.

During the week, Dr. Kibar can be seen as a physician at Patterson Health Center.

“We are incredibly fortunate and proud to have him as part of Patterson Health Center,” Teaff said.