Biography of Ben Carson | Benjamin Solomon Carson - Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery - Life of Ben Carson

Biography of Ben Carson:

Benjamin Solomon Carson, known as Ben Carson, was born on September 18, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a retired American neurosurgeon and a former politician who gained national prominence for his achievements in the medical field and later for his foray into politics.


Carson's early life was marked by financial struggles and academic challenges. Raised by a single mother, Sonya Carson, who had a third-grade education, Ben faced difficulties in school and was often labeled as the "dumbest" kid in his class. However, his mother's insistence on academic excellence and her strict rules helped him overcome these challenges.

Benjamin Solomon Carson - Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery - Life of Ben Carson
Biography of Ben Carson

Ben Carson's life took a significant turn when he discovered his love for reading and learning. He excelled in school, eventually earning a scholarship to Yale University. Carson graduated with a degree in psychology in 1973. He then attended the University of Michigan Medical School, where he earned his M.D. in 1977.

Carson became a renowned neurosurgeon, achieving international recognition for his groundbreaking work in the field. In 1987, he led a surgical team that successfully separated conjoined twins, Patrick and Benjamin Binder, in a highly complex and risky operation. This achievement catapulted Carson to fame and solidified his reputation as a skilled and innovative neurosurgeon.


Throughout his medical career, Carson held various prestigious positions, including Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He continued to contribute to medical research and published numerous articles in scientific journals.

In the late 1990s, Carson's life story gained attention with the publication of his autobiography, "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story," co-written with Cecil Murphey. The book detailed his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a successful neurosurgeon and served as an inspiration to many.

Carson's foray into politics began in 2013 when he delivered a keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast, criticizing aspects of U.S. healthcare policy with then-President Barack Obama in attendance. His speech went viral, leading to increased public attention and speculation about his political ambitions.



In 2015, Ben Carson officially entered the political arena by announcing his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2016 presidential election. Although he gained support and briefly led in some polls, he eventually suspended his campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, who later appointed him as the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2017.

As HUD Secretary, Carson focused on issues related to affordable housing, community development, and urban revitalization. He served in the Trump administration until January 2021, when the administration came to an end.

Ben Carson's life story is often celebrated as a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and personal responsibility. His contributions to both medicine and politics have left a lasting impact on the American public discourse.

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