Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. has long been an advocate for the youth of our nation. In 1994, he and his wife, Candy, founded the Carson Scholars Fund which awards scholarships to students of high academic achievement, who also possess humanitarian qualities. Perhaps his most important contribution to young people is through the perseverance, determination and diligence that he exemplified throughout his youth.
Dr. Carson is known and respected the world over as a pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery. He grew up in a single parent home in Detroit where he endured the ridicule of his classmates and peers, not only because he lived in poverty, but also for his failing academic status. It was only after almost ending another man's life with a knife-and out of fear of what his future surely held if his violent temper and poor grades continued-that Dr. Carson gained permanent victory over his temper. He went on to graduate from high school, Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School with high academic honors.
At age 33, he was appointed director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, distinguishing him as the youngest individual to ever hold the position. He also earned full professorship at the university, not only in neurosurgery, but also in plastic surgery, oncology and pediatrics. In 1997, Dr. Carson further distinguished himself by leading a team of South African and Zambian surgeons that separated Siamese twins joined at the top of their heads. This surgery made medical history, in that it was the first time this procedure was attempted which resulted in the patients remaining neurologically sound.
Gifted Hands, THINK BIG, The Big Picture, and Take the Risk which provide inspiration and insight for leading a successful life.
More recently, Dr. Carson was a 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom winner.
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