Dr. Carson – Carson Scholars Fund
For a time, the likelihood of Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a physician seemed unlikely. 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 until his mother, with only a third-grade education, challenged her sons to strive for excellence. She observed successful people and encouraged her sons to emulate their behaviors, including reading. This led to behavior changes which had a profound effect on their education. In 1973, Ben Carson graduated from Yale University. He went on to receive his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School.
at the age of 33, dr. carson became the chief of pediatric neurosurgery at johns hopkins hospital, making him the youngest major division director in the hospital’s history. this would be among a long list of outstanding scoops for dr. carson. dr. Carson’s accomplishments have earned him a place in medical history. He performed the first and only successful separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins conjoined at the back of the head in 1987. He also performed the first fully successful separation of type 2 upright craniopagus twins in 1997 in South Africa. in his career, dr. carson became professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at johns hopkins school of medicine, and directed pediatric neurosurgery at johns hopkins children’s center for more than 29 years. he became the inaugural recipient of a professorship dedicated to him in his name in may 2008. he is now emeritus benjamin s. Carson, Sr., M.D. and dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N. professor of pediatric neurosurgery, having retired on June 30, 2013.
dr. Carson’s prestigious awards include: • The Spingarn Medal presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP’s highest honor. • The Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George W. bush. • recognition by the usa. Media Group and the Harvard Center for Public Leadership as one of “America’s Best Leaders.” • recognition by the galup organization as one of the 10 most admired men in the world. • recognition as one of the 89 “living legends” of the library of congress. • Membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and the Horatio Alger Society of Distinguished Americans.
dr. Carson also: • Serves on the board of directors of numerous organizations. • is an emeritus member of the yale corporation, the governing body of yale university. • Was appointed in 2004 by President George W. bush to serve on the president’s bioethics council. • is a highly regarded motivational speaker who has addressed audiences ranging from school systems and civic groups to corporations and the president’s national prayer breakfast. • Has 70 honorary doctorates and numerous mentions of national merit. • has written ten books, four of which were co-authored with his wife Candy, whom he has been married to for 46 years. • is the feature of many children’s books intended to inspire young people to “think big.”
in 2016, dr. carson accepted the position of secretary of housing and urban development under the trump administration. After completing his term as the 17th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2021, Dr. Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute. this organization is focused on fighting for the principles that have guided him in life and that make this country great: faith, freedom, community and life.
dr. Carson and his wife, Candy Carson, co-founded the Carson Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian achievement. the organization has awarded more than 10,500 scholars and more than $8 million in scholarships. The Carson Scholars Fund currently operates in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and since its founding, has installed more than 250 Ben Carson Reading Rooms across the country.
dr. and Mrs. Carson reside in Florida. they are the proud parents of three sons and three daughters-in-law, and blessed grandparents of eight grandchildren.
