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Ben Carson

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Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. is a retired American neurosurgeon, author, and government official.

Ben Carson (cropped)
Ben Carson (cropped)

A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery on the brain and spinal cord. Carson became a prominent figure in both the medical field and American politics. He served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. This role involved overseeing national policies regarding housing and urban development. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a leader in his field and a significant voice in conservative politics.

Carson's early life in Detroit, Michigan, involved significant challenges. He was born on September 18, 1951, to Robert and Sonya Carson. His parents moved from Tennessee to Detroit, where his father worked in a Cadillac plant. During his childhood, Carson's family faced periods of instability. His parents separated in 1959, and he lived for two years in Boston with his mother and brother. During this time, his mother worked as a domestic worker and struggled with depression.

Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 7
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 7

When the family returned to Detroit in 1961, Carson's academic performance was initially low. To help him improve, his mother required him to read and write reports on two library books every week.

Carson's academic journey led him to Yale University. He applied to Yale after watching a college competition on television. He was awarded a full scholarship that covered his tuition, room, and board. In 1973, he graduated from Yale with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Before starting medical school, Carson worked several different jobs to support himself. He worked as a clerk at Ford Motor Company and as a crane operator at Sennett Steel. He also worked as a radiology technician, which involves taking X-rays of patients.

In the medical field, Carson became a pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery. In 1984, at the age of 33, he became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the United States. He held this position at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 10
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 10

In 1987, he led a surgical team that performed the first known separation of conjoined twins. These twins were joined at the back of their heads. Carson also developed new methods for treating brain-stem tumors. He worked to revitalize hemispherectomy, a surgical procedure used to control seizures. He contributed heavily to medical science by writing more than 100 neurosurgical publications.

Carson eventually transitioned from medicine into the world of national politics. He gained widespread attention after a speech at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast. In May 2015, he announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president of the United States. He performed very well in early polls during the fall of 2015. However, his campaign struggled during the primary elections. He withdrew from the presidential race following Super Tuesday.

Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 8
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 8

After his campaign ended, he endorsed Donald Trump. This led to his nomination as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

On March 2, 2017, the United States Senate confirmed Carson for his cabinet position with a vote of 58–41.

2019 State of the Union (47009455851)
2019 State of the Union (47009455851)

His career has been marked by many high-level honors and recognitions. He has received more than 70 honorary doctorate degrees. In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian award in the country.

The Bushes and the Carsons
The Bushes and the Carsons

The Library of Congress also named him one of 89 "Living Legends" during its 200th anniversary. In 2001, magazines like Time named him one of the 20 most important physicians and scientists in the nation.

Carson's life and medical achievements have also influenced popular culture. His autobiography, titled *Gifted Hands*, tells the story of his rise from a struggling student to a famous surgeon.

Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 9
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 9

In 2009, this story was adapted into a biographical television film. The film featured actor Cuba Gooding Jr. portraying Carson. His life serves as a notable example of how medical innovation and political service can intersect in a single career. His work in neurosurgery continues to be studied, and his time in government focused on the complexities of American urban life.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:George W. Bush and Ben Carson.jpg
George W. Bush and Ben Carson.jpg
File:The Bushes and the Carsons.jpg
The Bushes and the Carsons.jpg
File:Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 7.jpg
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 7.jpg
File:Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 9.jpg
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 9.jpg
File:Sean Hannity & Ben Carson (24032441754).jpg
Sean Hannity & Ben Carson (24032441754).jpg
File:Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 8.jpg
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 8.jpg
File:2019 State of the Union (47009455851).jpg
2019 State of the Union (47009455851).jpg
File:Black History Month Program 2019 (32409065997).jpg
Black History Month Program 2019 (32409065997).jpg
File:Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 10.jpg
Ben Carson by Gage Skidmore 10.jpg
File:Ben Carson (cropped).jpg
Ben Carson (cropped).jpg
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