Meet Your Doctors: Dr. Steven Bear

Note: This article is the 20th story in a series about doctors in our community.

Dr. Steven Bear of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center had some definite inspirations in making a career choice in the medical field.

“As the child of a nurse and a firefighter, I grew up around people who took great pride in taking care of others,” Dr. Bear said. “Though I never gave any thought to being a doctor as a child, I’d have to credit my parents for making it a possibility.”

A native of Dacula, Ga., the 38-year-old Bear has worked for six years as a family physician, the last three of which have been at the Potawatomi clinic.

Bear has a bachelor of science degree in biology from Georgia State University, a master of science degree in molecular microbiology and immunology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and a doctorate in medicine from The University of Kansas. He completed his residency in family medicine at Smoky Hill in Salina.

Bear and his wife of 13 years, Kim, have three young children attending school in Holton, a community that he says has “a great combination of history with so many people rooted to the area while remaining welcoming and accessible.” He has worked with the local Cub Scouts for the past couple years and is den leader for first year Webelos Scouts.

His hobbies include fishing, target shooting and hanging out with his kids, and he also has an elderly English pointer named Jenny that has “taken to visiting the golf course, so if you see her, say ‘hey.’”

Bear’s one piece of medical advice for all is a simple one.

“All my training suggests to me that the body is an amazing thing that with minimal, but regular, care can heal itself of many common ailments,” he said. “If something doesn't seem right to you, however, give your local doctor a call.”