Ben Carson

Ben Carson
U.S. Department of Agriculture · Public domain · source
Name	Ben Carson
Birth date	March 18, 1951
Birth place	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Occupation	Neurosurgeon, author, politician
Alma mater	Yale University; University of Michigan Medical School
Known for	Pediatric neurosurgery, hemispherectomy, separation of conjoined twins
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ben Carson

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. is an American retired pediatric neurosurgeon, author, and political figure. He gained international recognition for pioneering surgical techniques in pediatric surgery, notably hemispherectomy and separation of conjoined twins, and later entered national politics, campaigning for the Republican Party nomination for 2016 United States presidential election and serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration. His career spans medicine, media, publishing, and public service, attracting both acclaim and controversy.

Early life and education

Born in Detroit, Michigan, he was raised by his mother, a single parent employed in public sector jobs, and spent part of his childhood in the Hiram, Ohio area following family moves. He attended Southwestern High School (Detroit) before earning a full academic scholarship to Yale University, where he majored in psychology and studied under professors connected with neuroscience research and premedical tracks. He matriculated at the University of Michigan Medical School, completing his medical degree and neurosurgical residency, training at institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he later joined the faculty and surgical staff.

Medical career

As a specialist in pediatric neurosurgery, he developed techniques in microsurgery and cranial surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and became Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery. His work included pioneering the neurosurgical procedure of functional hemispherectomy to treat intractable epilepsy in children, performing groundbreaking operations on patients with complex craniofacial anomalies and vascular malformations. He led high-profile teams that separated conjoined twins, collaborating with specialists from anesthesiology and plastic surgery, and published clinical reports in surgical literature. His leadership at Johns Hopkins involved mentoring residents, overseeing surgical programs, and participating in international medical missions linked to institutions such as World Health Organization-affiliated initiatives and surgical outreach programs in Africa.

Political career and public service

He entered public life as a commentator and speaker on topics intersecting with health care policy, faith-based initiatives, and urban development, appearing at events hosted by groups like Focus on the Family and conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation. In 2015 he announced a candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2016 United States presidential election, participating in debates alongside candidates including Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Jeb Bush. After suspending his campaign, he endorsed the eventual nominee and was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Confirmed by the United States Senate, he served as United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021, overseeing programs tied to public housing authorities, federal housing finance agencies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and disaster recovery efforts after events like Hurricane Maria. His tenure engaged with policies involving regulatory reform, homelessness initiatives, and interagency coordination with departments including Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services.

Writings and media appearances

He authored several books, contributing to genres including autobiography, self-help, and political commentary. Notable works include his memoirs and motivational titles published through major houses that reached bestseller lists populated alongside authors like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling in retail rankings. He appeared frequently on television networks such as Fox News and participated in interview programs and documentaries about medical milestones, featured on platforms that also broadcast programs on figures like Anthony Fauci and historical medical narratives. He contributed op-eds and delivered commencement addresses at universities including Baylor University and Belmont University, often discussing themes of personal responsibility, faith, and public policy in venues associated with organizations like National Review and evangelical conferences.

Personal life and controversies

He is married and has children and grandchildren; his family life has been noted in profiles in publications such as Time (magazine) and The New York Times. His public statements on topics including race relations, immigration, and evolution versus intelligent design sparked debate among scholars, journalists, and political commentators, drawing criticism from organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science and alumni groups at Yale University in reaction to certain claims. Controversies during his political career included scrutiny over remarks about public policy, medical claims, and management of departmental resources, leading to investigative coverage by outlets including The Washington Post and CNN. He received national honors such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush and awards from medical societies including the American Academy of Pediatrics, while also navigating professional disputes and ethical questions raised in the press and by advocacy organizations.

Category:American neurosurgeons Category:United States Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development Category:Yale University alumni