Carlos Ribbeck

Carlos Kurt Ribbeck Hornickel (19 January 1899 – 20 April 1990) was a Chilean physician and politician who served as a deputy.

Biography Ribbeck was born in Valdivia, the son of Carlos Ribbeck and Ana Hornickel. He completed his primary and secondary education at the German School of Valdivia and later at the Internado Nacional Barros Arana in Santiago. He subsequently entered medical school at the University of Chile.

He qualified as a medical doctor (physician-surgeon) in 1924. His graduation thesis focused on Puerperal psychoses.

He married Militza Fantini Barberó in his first marriage, with whom he had three children: Meyra, Carlos, and Beatriz. In his second marriage, he married Flor Rosa Ugarte Valdebenito in Santiago on June 4, 1976.

Professional career While still a medical student, Ribbeck worked at the Casa de Orates between 1920 and 1926. After graduating, he began his professional career in Santiago, working at the clinic of Dr. Monckeberg.

He later moved to Temuco, where he served as chief physician at the Maternity Hospital, director of the local Dispensary, and physician for the Workers’ Insurance system, specializing in Gynecology and Obstetrics. In 1955, he was appointed director of the San José Hospital of Osorno.

He authored several medical and social works, including Defense of the Race, Sexual Education, Infant Mortality in Hereditary Syphilis, and Genital Atresias. He also contributed articles to the newspaper El Diario Austral de Temuco and to the Medical Bulletin.

Ribbeck was a member of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Santiago, a corresponding member in Temuco, a member of the Federation of Physicians of the Workers’ Insurance system, and a member of the Medical Federation of the Temuco Hospital and the Social Insurance Medical Federation.

Political career Ribbeck was a member of the political party Republican Action. He served as president of the Temuco branch of the movement during its first three years, from 1937 to 1940.

He was elected as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile representing the 21st Departmental Electoral District, comprising Imperial, Temuco, Villarrica, and Pitrufquén, for the parliamentary term from 1937 to 1941.

During his legislative service, he served on the Committees on Constitution, Legislation and Justice (as a substitute member), Medical-Social Assistance and Hygiene (as a substitute), and Internal Police (as a full member).