Ben Carson

Ben Carson was born on September 18, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised by a single mother in a poor community, Carson faced many hardships growing up. His early life was marked by difficulties both academically and socially, but his mother instilled in him the importance of education and hard work.

Ben Carson graduated from Yale University in 1973 with a degree in psychology. His experience at Yale played a significant role in shaping his future career in medicine and public service. Despite the challenges and the rigors of Ivy League education, Carson excelled and set the stage for his future accomplishments.

In 1977, Ben Carson received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. This was a pivotal moment in his life as he pursued his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Carson's hard work and determination paid off, leading him to a residency in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

At the age of 33, Ben Carson became the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. This prestigious position made him one of the youngest doctors in the United States to hold such a title. Under his leadership, the department saw many groundbreaking surgeries and innovations.

Ben Carson gained international fame on September 6, 1987, when he successfully performed the first separation of conjoined twins, Patrick and Benjamin Binder, who were joined at the back of the head. The 22-hour surgery was a medical milestone and showcased Carson's skills and determination.

In June 1994, Ben Carson published his autobiography 'Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,' which chronicles his journey from a troubled youth to a world-renowned neurosurgeon. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a movie, further solidifying Carson's status as an inspirational figure.

In 2001, Ben Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. This honor recognized his contributions to medicine and his work in pioneering complex neurosurgical procedures. Carson's achievements brought hope and inspiration to many around the world.

Ben Carson was named Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2008. His leadership in this role continued to advance the field of pediatric neurosurgery, and he remained a mentor and role model for many aspiring doctors.

In 2009, Ben Carson co-founded the Carson Scholars Fund with his wife, Candy. The organization helps to provide scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. It has awarded over 8,000 scholarships and continues to inspire young scholars nationwide.

On February 7, 2013, Ben Carson delivered a keynote speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. His speech addressed various national issues and was notable for its candidness and criticism of existing policies. The address brought Carson to the attention of many in the political realm.

Ben Carson officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States on May 4, 2015. His campaign focused on several key issues, including health care, education, and economic policy. Although he was not elected, his run for office elevated his profile in American politics.

On March 2, 2017, Ben Carson was sworn in as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During his tenure, he focused on reforming public housing, promoting economic development, and increasing homeownership. Carson served in this role until January 20, 2021.

Ben Carson completed his term as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on December 31, 2018. During his time in this role, he introduced various initiatives aimed at improving public housing and expanding opportunities for homeownership among low-income families.

On March 2, 2020, Ben Carson played a significant role in the Trump administration's COVID-19 task force. His medical background provided valuable insights as the task force worked to address the pandemic and implement strategies to protect public health and safety.

On November 9, 2020, Ben Carson tested positive for COVID-19. He experienced severe symptoms but recovered after receiving treatment, including monoclonal antibodies. Carson's battle with the virus highlighted the impact of COVID-19 even on high-profile figures and underscored the importance of public health measures.

Ben Carson's tenure as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development ended on January 20, 2021, coinciding with the end of Donald Trump's presidency. His term was marked by efforts to tackle issues related to public housing and urban development and promote economic upliftment for disadvantaged communities.