Ben Carson

Who Is Ben Carson?

Ben Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon, educator, and political figure who rose to prominence for his groundbreaking work in pediatric neurosurgery. Starting from humble beginnings as a poor student, Carson’s academic excellence eventually led him to attend medical school. By the age of 33, he became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he gained global recognition for successfully separating conjoined twins. After retiring from medicine in 2013, Carson entered politics, running as a Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency in 2016. Though he eventually withdrew from the race, he became a strong supporter of Donald Trump and later served as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump administration.

Birth and Family Background

Carson was born on September 18, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Sonya Carson, came from a large family in Tennessee and had limited education, dropping out in the third grade. She married Robert Carson, a Baptist minister and factory worker, at the age of 13. The family relocated to Detroit, but Sonya eventually discovered Robert’s bigamy, leading to their divorce. Left to raise Carson and his brother alone, Sonya worked multiple jobs to support the family.

Influential Mother

Despite their financial struggles, Sonya Carson was determined to give her sons a better future. She instilled in them the belief that they could achieve anything through hard work and education. Carson credited his mother’s influence for inspiring his academic and personal growth. She limited their television time, encouraged reading, and fostered a disciplined environment, which ultimately fueled Carson’s intellectual curiosity and ambition.

Power of Reading

Although Carson initially struggled academically, his mother’s strict regimen of reading two library books per week profoundly impacted his education. This newfound love for reading ignited his imagination and transformed his outlook on life, paving the way for his academic improvement. By middle school, Carson’s teachers began recognizing his remarkable intellectual abilities, and his passion for learning propelled him to the top of his class.

Anger Issues and Personal Transformation

Despite his academic achievements, Carson struggled with anger issues during his youth. He recounted in his autobiography how he nearly committed violent acts, including an incident where he tried to stab a friend. However, after a moment of self-reflection and prayer, Carson found solace in the Bible, specifically the Book of Proverbs, and worked to overcome his temper. This spiritual and personal transformation marked a turning point in his life.

Burgeoning Surgical Career

Carson graduated with honors from Southwestern High School in Detroit and earned a full scholarship to Yale University, where he studied psychology. He later attended medical school at the University of Michigan, where he decided to specialize in neurosurgery. After completing his medical degree, Carson joined Johns Hopkins University as an intern in 1977, eventually becoming the chief resident in neurosurgery. His exceptional surgical skills led him to an important opportunity in Australia, where he gained invaluable experience.

By 1985, at the age of 33, Carson was appointed director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. Two years later, he garnered international acclaim for successfully separating conjoined twins, the Binder twins, in a complex 22-hour surgery. This groundbreaking achievement solidified his reputation as a leading neurosurgeon, and his success was celebrated as the first procedure of its kind.

Carson’s remarkable journey from a troubled youth to an internationally respected surgeon and public figure is a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and faith.

Separating Conjoined Twins

In 1994, Dr. Ben Carson and his team embarked on a challenging mission to South Africa to separate the Makwaeba twins. Unfortunately, the operation was unsuccessful, and both girls passed away due to complications. Despite the emotional toll, Carson remained determined, understanding that such procedures had the potential to succeed. In 1997, Carson traveled to Zambia, South Central Africa, to separate infant boys, Luka and Joseph Banda, who were conjoined at the tops of their heads. This unprecedented surgery posed unique challenges, as it was the first time a separation of this type had been attempted. After a grueling 28-hour operation, guided by advanced 3-D mapping, both boys survived, without any brain damage.

As Carson’s expertise grew, so did media attention. Initially, audiences were captivated by his calm demeanor and ability to explain complex medical procedures with clarity. Eventually, Carson’s personal journey also came to light, with his transformation from a troubled youth in an inner-city environment to a world-renowned surgeon inspiring many. His dedication to education and helping young people led him and his wife to establish the Carson Scholars Fund in 1994, a foundation that promotes reading and grants scholarships to students.

Biggest Medical Challenge

In 2003, Carson faced one of the greatest challenges of his career—separating conjoined adult twins. Ladan and Laleh Bijani, Iranian women joined at the head, had lived inseparable lives for 29 years. As they matured and pursued individual dreams, they longed for independence, telling Carson that they would rather die than continue living together.

This type of surgery had never been attempted on adult conjoined twins due to the immense risks. Although Carson initially advised against the procedure, after numerous discussions with the twins and consultations with other specialists, he agreed to proceed. Carson, alongside a team of over 100 medical professionals, traveled to Singapore for the 52-hour operation. They relied on 3-D imaging, a technique Carson had previously used for the Banda twins, to conduct virtual simulations of the surgery.

During the operation, unforeseen complications arose, particularly the discovery that the twins’ brains were not only connected by a major vein but had fused together. Despite completing the separation, both sisters tragically died shortly after the surgery. Carson later reflected on the bravery of the Bijani twins, whose courage contributed significantly to the advancement of neurosurgery.

Cancer Diagnosis, Books, and Movie

In 2002, Carson had to slow down his demanding schedule after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Taking an active role in his treatment, he recovered fully, a transformative experience that led him to prioritize time with his family—his wife and three children, Murray, Benjamin Jr., and Rhoeyce.

Following his recovery, Carson continued his surgical career and public speaking engagements. He also authored several books, including his popular autobiography Gifted Hands (1990) and others like Think Big (1992), The Big Picture (1999), and Take the Risk (2007), which outline his philosophies on success, learning, and faith. In 2009, Carson’s life story was adapted into the television movie Gifted Hands, with Cuba Gooding Jr. portraying him.

Presidential Run

As Carson’s interest in politics grew, he published America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great in 2012, laying out his conservative views. His speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2013, where he criticized President Obama’s policies, propelled him further into the political spotlight.

In May 2015, Carson officially announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Though initially a top contender, his campaign struggled to maintain momentum. By March 2016, Carson suspended his campaign, later endorsing Donald Trump.

HUD Secretary

After Trump’s election victory, Carson was nominated as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Despite facing scrutiny for his lack of experience in housing policy, the Senate confirmed his nomination in 2017. Carson’s tenure at HUD was marked by challenges, including controversy surrounding a $31,000 dining set purchase and budgetary issues. Nonetheless, Carson worked to establish community centers aimed at helping low-income families access educational, job, and healthcare resources.

In March 2019, Carson announced his intention to step down at the end of Trump’s first term, expressing his desire to return to the private sector.