Dr. Ben Carson is a true American success story. From humble beginnings in Detroit, he became one of the world’s most renowned neurosurgeons, a best-selling author, and a former presidential candidate. His life’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Who is Ben Carson?
Benjamin Solomon “Ben” Carson Sr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 18, 1951. The son of a single mother, Carson faced numerous challenges in his early life, including growing up in poverty and struggling with poor academic performance. However, with the unwavering support of his mother, Sonya, and a determination to succeed, Carson was able to turn his life around and become a trailblazer in the field of medicine.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Age | 72 |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Religion | Seventh-day Adventist |
Age and Physique
At 72, Ben Carson is still in excellent physical condition. Standing 6 feet tall, he maintains a fit and trim physique, a testament to his lifelong commitment to healthy living. Carson has been described as having a calm and focused demeanor, which undoubtedly contributed to his success as a renowned neurosurgeon.
Personal Life and Relationships
1975 Carson married Candy Rustin, and the couple has been together ever since. They have three sons: Rhoeyce, Benjamin Jr., and Murray. Carson has credited his wife and family as the foundation that has supported him throughout his remarkable career.
In 2002, Carson was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he underwent a successful surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has remained cancer-free since then. A deep religious faith has marked his personal life, as he is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Net Worth and Salary
Dr. Ben Carson’s net worth is around $30 million. Much of his wealth has been accumulated through his successful medical career, work as a bestselling author and lucrative speaking engagements. As a neurosurgeon, Carson commanded high salaries, with reports indicating he earned between $500,000 and $2.5 million per year.
Additionally, his books have been major commercial successes, generating significant royalties. Carson has also served on the boards of several major corporations, such as Kellogg and Costco, further bolstering his net worth.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $30 million |
| Salary as Neurosurgeon | $500,000 – $2.5 million annually |
| Board Positions | Kellogg, Costco |
| Earnings from Board Roles | $2 million – $10 million (2014-2015) |
| Real Estate Investments | 48-acre property in Maryland, multiple homes in Florida and Virginia |
Professional Career
After graduating from Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School, Carson began his medical career as a neurosurgery resident at Johns Hopkins University. In 1984, he was appointed the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, a position he held for nearly three decades.
During his tenure, Carson became renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of neurosurgery, particularly in the areas of traumatic brain injuries, brain and spinal cord tumors, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.
Carson’s most famous achievement was the successful separation of the Binder twins, a pair of conjoined twins, in 1987. This complex and risky surgery involving a team of 70 medical professionals was a landmark moment in Carson’s career and catapulted him into the national spotlight. He would go on to refine the hemispherectomy procedure and perform it numerous times, helping children with severe epilepsy.
In 2013, Carson retired from his medical practice, citing a desire to pursue other opportunities. He had become a bestselling author, with books like Gifted Hands and Think Big resonating with readers. Carson also gained attention for his conservative political views, which he expressed at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast, criticizing President Obama’s policies.
Investment and Funding
Ben Carson has been involved in various investment and funding activities throughout his career. In addition to his lucrative speaking engagements and book royalties, he has served on the boards of several major corporations, including Kellogg and Costco. These board positions have provided Carson with significant income, with reports indicating he earned between $2 million and $10 million in 16 months between 2014 and 2015.
Carson has also been involved in real estate investments, purchasing a 48-acre property in Upperco, Maryland 2001. In 2013, he and his wife, Candy, moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, before buying a $1.22 million home in Vienna, Virginia, after Carson was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 2017.
Political Career
In 2016, Ben Carson made a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, running against Donald Trump and other candidates. Despite early success in the polls, Carson’s campaign struggled, and he ultimately suspended his campaign in March 2016, endorsing Trump shortly after.
In March 2017, President Trump appointed Carson as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, a position he held until the end of Trump’s term in 2021. Carson focused on initiatives such as promoting economic growth and affordable housing during his tenure.
Contact Details and Social Media
Ben Carson is active on social media, with a strong presence on platforms like Twitter and over 1 million followers. He can be found on Twitter at @RealBenCarson. Carson also maintains a personal website, BenCarson.com, where he shares updates on his work and public appearances.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| @RealBenCarson | |
| Followers | Over 1 million |
| Personal Website | BenCarson.com |
Conclusion
Ben Carson’s life story is a true inspiration, showcasing the power of resilience, faith, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Carson’s journey is a testament to the American dream, from his humble beginnings in Detroit to his remarkable achievements as a world-renowned neurosurgeon, best-selling author, and political figure. His legacy inspires and motivates people worldwide, making him an actual role model and an enduring figure in American history.
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