Dean Brooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dean Brooks
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| Born | July 22, 1916 |
| Died | May 30, 2013 (aged 96) |
| Alma mater | University of Kansas |
| Occupation | Physician Actor |
Dean Kent Brooks (born July 22, 1916 – died May 30, 2013) was an American doctor and actor. He was in charge of the Oregon State Hospital for 27 years, from 1955 to 1982. This hospital helped people with mental health challenges. Dean Brooks was born in Colony, Kansas.
Contents
A Life of Helping Others and Acting
Dean Brooks had an interesting life, combining his love for music, medicine, and even acting!
Early Life and Education
Dean Brooks went to the University of Kansas. He earned a bachelor's degree and then graduated from medical school in 1942. During his college years, he was a very good trombone player. He even played in nightclubs with famous big band musicians!
In 1943, Dean Brooks joined the U.S. Navy. He became a medical officer during World War II. He served on special ships called Landing Ship, Tanks and was part of seven battles.
Leading Oregon State Hospital
In 1955, Dr. Brooks became the leader of the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon. He was known for his modern ideas about helping patients.
- Patient-Centered Care: Dr. Brooks believed in putting patients first. He created a committee where patients could share their ideas. He also started a study to see the hospital from the patients' point of view.
- Training Doctors: He began a program to train new doctors in psychiatry at the hospital. This program became very successful.
- Outdoor Activities: Dr. Brooks also started an outdoor program. It allowed staff and patients to go hiking and mountaineering together. This helped them connect and heal.
- Making Rounds: He would visit patients on every shift to make sure they were getting the best care.
Acting in a Famous Movie
In the 1970s, Dr. Brooks allowed a movie called One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to be filmed at the Oregon State Hospital. He even acted in the movie himself! He played the role of "Dr. John Spivey."
After Retirement
After retiring in 1982, Dr. Brooks continued to help people. He founded the Willamette Valley Hospice, which provides comfort care. He also helped start the Salem Pops Orchestra. He later moved to Washington state. There, he continued his work in mental health advocacy. He led a board for a state hospital for 12 years. He also worked with other mental health organizations.
Dr. Brooks was very interested in helping people with mental illness who were involved in the justice system. He created a special fund and brought together experts to work on "decriminalizing the mentally ill." This means finding better ways to help them instead of putting them in jail.
Personal Life
Dean Brooks was married to Ulista Jean Moser. She passed away in 2006. Dr. Brooks died peacefully at his home in Salem, Oregon, when he was 96 years old.
Filmography
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) as Dr. Spivey
