Ben Carson
Medical career
Profession	Neurosurgeon
Institutions	Johns Hopkins School of Medicine National Academy of Medicine
Sub-specialties	Pediatric neurosurgery Achondroplasia Craniosynostosis Epilepsy Trigeminal neuralgia
Research	Hemispherectomy Conjoined twins separation

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. (born September 18, 1951) is a retired neurosurgeon, author, and government official from the United States. He is known for his pioneering work in neurosurgery. From 2017 to 2021, he served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He also ran for president in 2016.

Carson became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the U.S. in 1984. He was 33 years old at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. In 1987, he led a team that successfully separated conjoined twins joined at the head. This was a groundbreaking surgery. He also performed the first successful brain surgery on a fetus inside the womb. He developed new ways to treat brain-stem tumors. He improved techniques for controlling seizures. He has written over 100 medical papers. He retired from medicine in 2013. At that time, he was a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Carson gained national attention after a speech in 2013. This speech shared his views on national issues. After much talk, he announced his campaign for president in May 2015. He was a strong candidate early on. However, he later withdrew from the race. He then supported Donald Trump. President Trump nominated him to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The United States Senate confirmed him on March 2, 2017.

Carson has received many awards for his medical work. These include over 70 honorary degrees. In 2001, he was named one of the nation's top physicians and scientists. The Library of Congress called him a "Living Legend." In 2008, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest award for a civilian in the U.S. In 2010, he joined the National Academy of Medicine. A TV movie about his life, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, was made in 2009.

Growing Up and School

Ben Carson's parents were Robert Solomon Carson Jr. and Sonya Carson. They were from Georgia. They moved to Detroit, Michigan, where Ben was born in 1951. His father worked at a car plant. His older brother, Curtis, was born in 1949.

When Ben was eight, his parents separated. He moved with his mother and brother to Boston for two years. His mother worked hard to support them. They later moved back to southwest Detroit. Ben and his brother struggled in school at first. Their mother helped them improve by limiting TV time. She also made them read two library books each week. This helped them catch up and do well.

High School Years

Ben attended Southwestern High School. He was a good student and graduated third in his class. He played the euphonium in the band. He also participated in public speaking and the chess club. He was part of the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). He reached the highest rank, cadet colonel. He also worked as a lab assistant in science classes.

College Education

Carson wanted to go to college far from home. He chose to apply to Yale University. He was accepted and received a full scholarship. In 1973, he graduated from Yale with a degree in psychology.

After high school and during medical school, Carson worked many jobs. He worked at a car company and an advertising agency. He also worked at a steel company and as a radiology technician.

Medical School Journey

Carson started at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1973. He found it challenging at first. His grades improved when he changed his study habits. He focused on textbooks and notes. He graduated with an M.D. degree in 1977. He was chosen for the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

He then joined the neurosurgery program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his residency there in 1983. He spent a year working in Australia before returning to Johns Hopkins.

A Career in Medicine

In 1984, Carson became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. He specialized in treating brain and spinal cord tumors. He also treated traumatic brain injuries and epilepsy. He worked on craniosynostosis and trigeminal neuralgia.

Carson helped bring back a surgery called hemispherectomy. This procedure removes part of the brain. It helps control severe epilepsy in children. He refined this surgery in the 1980s and performed it many times.

In 1987, Carson led a large team of surgeons. They separated conjoined twins who were joined at the back of the head. This was a very complex and famous surgery. He participated in several other high-risk twin separations. One notable case was in 1997. He separated Zambian twins, Joseph and Luka Banda, who had a good outcome.

Carson retired from surgery on July 1, 2013. In 2021, he joined Galectin Therapeutics. He helps develop treatments for liver disease and cancers.

Books and Public Speaking

Carson and President George W. Bush in 2008

Ben and Candy Carson with George and Laura Bush in 2008

Ben Carson has written many articles for medical journals. He has also written six bestselling books. These books were published by Zondervan, a Christian publishing company. His first book was his autobiography, Gifted Hands, published in 1992. Other books share his ideas about success and the importance of faith.

In 2013, Carson became a weekly opinion columnist for The Washington Times. He also worked as a contributor for Fox News. He provided analysis and commentary on their programs.

Carson and his wife reported income from various sources. These included paid speeches and book royalties. He also earned money as a board member for companies like Kellogg Co. and Costco Wholesale Corp.

Running for President in 2016

Carson speaking at a campaign event in August 2015

Carson was a registered Republican. He later became an independent for a time. In 2014, he rejoined the Republican Party. He was thinking about running for president.

In February 2013, Carson gave a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. This event is usually not political. However, Carson used the speech to share his views on national issues. This brought him a lot of attention.

People began to wonder if he would run for president. In May 2015, Carson officially announced his campaign. He sought the Republican nomination for president. He made the announcement in his hometown of Detroit.

Carson at a rally in August 2015

Early in his campaign, Carson was very popular. He did well in polls and fundraising. Many small businesses supported him. His unique background as a neurosurgeon appealed to many.

Carson and Sean Hannity in January 2016

Carson speaking before the Nevada caucuses in February 2016

As the campaign continued, Carson's support in the polls decreased. On March 2, 2016, he announced he would end his campaign. He said he did not see a way to win. He officially suspended his campaign on March 4. He then became the honorary national chairman of My Faith Votes. This group encourages Christians to vote.

After ending his campaign, Carson endorsed Donald Trump. He said Trump represented "the voice of the people." Carson received 857,039 votes in the Republican primaries. This was about 2.75% of the total votes. He won one district in the Alaska caucuses. Donald Trump went on to win the Republican nomination and the presidency.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

After Donald Trump won the 2016 election, Carson joined Trump's transition team. He was offered a position in the cabinet. He accepted the role of United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

On December 5, 2016, President Trump announced his nomination. The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs approved his nomination. The Senate confirmed him by a vote of 58–41 on March 2, 2017.

Role at HUD

Carson at the 2019 State of the Union

As Secretary of HUD, Carson led the department that helps people with housing. HUD works to create strong, sustainable communities. It also aims to provide affordable homes for everyone.

Carson speaks in 2019.

Carson supported programs that help the elderly with housing. He also supported community development grants. He served as Secretary until January 20, 2021.

Carson Scholars Fund

In 1994, Carson and his wife started the Carson Scholars Fund. This fund gives scholarships to students in grades 4–11. It recognizes students for their excellent grades and kindness.

Students who receive a Carson Scholars Fund scholarship get $1,000. This money helps them pay for college. The fund has given out 6,700 scholarships. In 2005, Carson received an award for his work with the fund.

American Cornerstone Institute

In 2021, Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI). This is a conservative think tank. A think tank is a group that researches and suggests ideas for public policy. The ACI works to promote "faith, liberty, community, and life."

The ACI's goal is to protect individual and religious freedom. It also helps people in need find hope. It aims to reduce the government's role in society. The institute is part of the advisory board for Project 2025.

Department of Agriculture Role

On September 24, 2025, Carson was sworn in. He became the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing. This role is within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Personal Life

Carson and his wife, Lacena "Candy" Rustin, met at Yale in 1971. They married in 1975. They have three sons and several grandchildren. Their oldest son was born in Australia.

In May 2025, Donald Trump appointed Carson. He became Vice Chair of the Religious Liberty Commission. This commission advises on religious freedom policies.

Religious Beliefs

Carson speaking at a church service in Des Moines, Iowa

Carson and his wife are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was baptized in Detroit. He has served as a church elder and Sabbath School teacher.

Seventh-day Adventists believe in a literal reading of the first chapters of the Book of Genesis. Carson has stated he believes in a literal, six-day creation.

Vegetarian Lifestyle

Carson is a part-time lacto-ovo vegetarian. This means he eats dishes with milk, eggs, or cheese. He also occasionally eats poultry. His main reason for this diet is for health. He also believes it benefits the environment.

Awards and Honors

Carson at the White House in 2008 being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Carson is a member of several prestigious groups. These include the American Academy of Achievement. He is also an emeritus fellow of the Yale Corporation.

Detroit Public Schools opened a high school named after him. The Dr. Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine helps students interested in healthcare.

In 2000, he received an award for public service.
In 2001, the Library of Congress named him a "Living Legend."
In 2004, he joined the President's Council on Bioethics.
In 2005, Carson received the William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership.
In 2006, he received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. This is their highest honor.
In 2008, the White House awarded Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the nation's highest civilian honor.
In 2008, Ford's Theatre Society gave Carson the Lincoln Medal. This award recognizes qualities like courage and integrity.
In 2008, U.S. News & World Report named Carson one of "America's Best Leaders."
In 2010, he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine. This is a high honor in health and medicine.
In 2012, he received the Influential Marylander Award.
In 2014, a Gallup poll ranked Carson sixth among the most admired persons.
On September 14, 2025, President Donald Trump awarded Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom for a second time.

Interesting Facts About Ben Carson

At age eight, Carson dreamed of becoming a missionary doctor.
In high school, he played the euphonium in the band. He also joined the chess club and a public speaking group. He was part of the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. He reached its highest rank, cadet colonel.
In his book Gifted Hands, Carson shares that he had a bad temper when he was young.
His college admission test scores were in the top 10% of test-takers.
He applied to Yale after seeing their team win a TV show called G.E. College Bowl.
During his summers in college and medical school, he worked many different jobs. These included a payroll clerk, a trash picker, a crane operator, and an X-ray technician.
At Johns Hopkins, Carson improved a surgery called hemispherectomy. This surgery removes part of the brain to help children with severe epilepsy.

Ben Carson Quotes

"Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give."
"Always give your best and try to figure out how to do an even better job."
"When I don't have an answer, I pray. God is the only alternative source of help."
"You are what you think."
"Be nice to every-body. You meet the same people going up as you meet going down."
"Not prejudge others – not decide their value before knowing them"
"The mind, once stretched by an idea, never returns to its original dimension."

Awards and Honors

Ben Carson is a member of several important groups, including the American Academy of Achievement.

He has received 38 honorary degrees and many national awards. Detroit Public Schools even opened a high school named after him. It's called the Dr. Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine.

In 2000, he won an award for helping disadvantaged people.
In 2001, the Library of Congress named him one of 89 "Living Legends."
In 2004, he joined The President's Council on Bioethics.
In 2005, Carson received the William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership.
In 2006, he received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. This is their highest honor for great achievements.
In 2008, the White House gave Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest award for civilians in the U.S.
In 2008, he received the Ford's Theatre Lincoln Medal. This award is for people who show qualities like courage and honesty, like President Abraham Lincoln.
In 2008, U.S. News & World Report named Carson one of "America's Best Leaders."
In 2010, he was chosen for the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine. This is a very high honor in health and medicine.
In 2014, a poll by Gallup ranked Carson sixth on a list of the most admired people.
He is an emeritus fellow of the Yale Corporation.

Ben Carson facts for kids

Contents

Growing Up and School

High School Years

College Education

Medical School Journey

A Career in Medicine

Books and Public Speaking

Running for President in 2016

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Role at HUD

Carson Scholars Fund

American Cornerstone Institute

Department of Agriculture Role

Personal Life

Religious Beliefs

Vegetarian Lifestyle

Awards and Honors

Interesting Facts About Ben Carson

Ben Carson Quotes

Awards and Honors

See also