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Benjamin
Solomon Carson, Sr. had a childhood dream of becoming a physician.
Growing up in a single parent home with dire poverty, poor
grades, a horrible temper, and low self-esteem appeared to
preclude the realization of that dream. But, today, he is
the director of pediatric neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins
Medical Institutions, a position he has held since 1984 at
age 33. He is a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic
surgery, and pediatrics. |
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1987, Dr. Carson gained worldwide recognition as the principal
surgeon in the 22-hour separation of the Binder Siamese twins
from Germany. This was the first time occipital craniopagus
twins had been separated with both surviving. The procedure
employed hypothermic arrest (the deliberate lowering of body
temperature) and circulatory arrest, as well as sophisticated
surgical reconstructive techniques for success. In 1997, Dr.
Carson was the primary surgeon in the team of South African
and Zambian surgeons that separated type-2 vertical craniopagus
twins (joined at the top of the head) in a 28-hour operation.
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It
represents the first time such complexly joined twins have been
separated with both remaining neurologically normal.
He is noted for
his use of cerebral hemispherectomy to control intractable seizures
as well as for his work in craniofacial reconstructive surgery,
achondroplasia (human dwarfism), and pediatric neuro-oncology (brain
tumors).
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Dr.
Carson is a recipient of numerous honors and awards including
more than 20 honorary doctorate degrees. He is a member of
the American Academy of Achievement, the Horatio Alger Society
of Distinguished Americans, the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical
Society, and many other prestigious organizations. He sits
on the board of directors of numerous organizations, including
Kellogg Company, Costco Wholesale Corporation, the Yale Corporation
which is the governing body of Yale University, and America's
Promise. In addition to his academic |
responsibilities, he is a highly regarded and requested motivational
speaker who has addressed varied audiences from high school graduations
to the keynote address at the 1997 President's National Prayer Breakfast.
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is president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund which
recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional
academic and humanitarian accomplishments. He hopes this program
will positively change the perception of high academic achievers
among their peers across our nation. |
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His
three books, Gifted Hands, THINK BIG, and The Big Picture, provide
inspiration and insight for leading a successful life. He believes
strongly in God and in America and believes that we all can play
a positive role in creating a better world.
Dr. Carson has
been married to Candy Carson since 1975 and has three sons. His
wife and sons comprise the Carson Four, an accomplished string
quartet. And yes, his mother, Sonya Carson, who made all this possible,
is alive and well.
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About Ben Carson
