Benjamin Carson, Pediatric Doctor and Neurosurgeon

Ben Carson was raised by a woman who worked several jobs to provide for her two sons. His older brother's name was Curtis. Ben was born on September 18, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan.

Ben had dreams of becoming a doctor. But he struggled with math. His mother would help him with his multiplication tables at the end of her long work day.

Even though she only had a third grade education she always encouraged Ben to read. She knew that reading would provide so many opportunities for him in life.

Ben discovered that he enjoyed reading and was very good at it. Science was his favorite class in junior high school.

He struggled with a bad temper during his teenage years. Perhaps he was tired of being the brunt of jokes about the clothes he had to wear or because he saw how his mother struggled without the assistance or presence of his father.

Thankfully he got back on the right track of life. His grades improved. He credits the fervent prayers of his mother and the Bible verses he remembered as a youngster.

He received a scholarship to Yale University. After that he went to the University of Michigan Medical School. It was here that he decided to become a neurosurgeon and work with children.

In 1984 he was named as the Director of Pediatric Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

He is most known as leading a surgical team in performing the first successful separation of Siamese twins joined at the back of the head. That surgery lasted twenty-two hours.

Ben Carson has also written several books. In 1994 he established the Carson Scholars Fund. He wanted to see young people succeed.

Dr. Ben Carson, the African-American doctor with gifted hands is an example of someone who defied all odds and is making a difference in the world.

SOURCE:

Portraits of African-American Heroes. Tonya Bolden. 2003 Copyright. Dutton Children's Books: Publisher, Pages 82, 84, 85