Stanley Biber facts for kids

Stanley H. Biber (May 4, 1923 – January 16, 2006) was an American physician, a type of doctor. He was known for his long career helping people in many ways. Dr. Biber served in the military and later became a beloved doctor in a small town. He even served in local government.

About Dr. Stanley Biber

Early Life and Education

Stanley H. Biber was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 4, 1923. He was the older of two children. His father owned a furniture store. His mother was very interested in helping others in society.

His parents hoped he would become a pianist or a religious leader. Stanley thought about both of these paths. However, World War II began, changing his plans. He later decided to study medicine.

Family and Hobbies

While attending the University of Iowa, Stanley Biber enjoyed weightlifting. He was very good at it. He even tried out for the Olympic team. He almost made the team, which was a big achievement.

Dr. Biber raised nine children with his wife on a ranch. This ranch was located outside Trinidad, Colorado. He was married to Marylee Biber for 11 months before he passed away. Marylee was a nurse who worked with him for many years. He had seven children and seven stepchildren. He also had twenty-two grandchildren.

Military Service as a Doctor

During World War II, Biber worked for the Office of Strategic Services. This was a government agency. He was stationed in Alaska and the Northwest Territory. After the war, he went back to school. He planned to become a psychiatrist, a doctor who helps with mental health.

He graduated from the University of Iowa medical school in 1948. He started performing surgery during his training. This training was called a residency. It took place at a hospital in the Panama Canal Zone. After his residency, Biber joined the Army. He became the chief surgeon for a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, known as MASH. He served during the Korean War. He finished his military service in Colorado.

Helping the Trinidad Community

In 1954, Dr. Biber left the military. He took a job at a clinic in Trinidad, Colorado. This clinic was for mine workers. His first office was in the First National Bank building. It was in the historic center of the city.

Dr. Biber wanted to help everyone in the community. He delivered babies and set broken bones. People in Trinidad thought he was an excellent surgeon. He truly cared for the town and its people.

Serving in Local Government

In 1990, a position opened on the Las Animas County Board of Commissioners. This is a local government group. Dr. Biber decided to run for the position. His opponent ran ads against him. These ads suggested his work had affected the town's image.

Dr. Biber's campaign responded with their own ads. They said he had made Trinidad famous. They also said he brought in $750,000 each year. This money helped the local economy. Biber won the election easily.

Later Years and Legacy

Dr. Biber retired in 2003 when he was 80 years old. He retired because his malpractice insurance costs became too high. This insurance protects doctors from lawsuits. Another doctor, Dr. Bowers, took over his practice. She had studied with him for five years.

In January 2006, Dr. Biber was hospitalized. He had problems from pneumonia, a lung infection. He passed away on January 16, 2006. Dr. Bowers later said she never expected to be able to do all that he did.

More About Dr. Biber

A journalist named Martin J. Smith wrote a book about Dr. Biber. The book is also about Trinidad, Colorado. It was published in April 2021.