1. By: David Lukner

2.  Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised by his single mother, Sonya Carson. He struggled academically throughout elementary school, but after his mother reduced his television time and required him to read two books a week and produce written reviews for her, he started to do much better in middle school and throughout high school. After graduating with honors from Southwestern High School, he attended Yale University, where he earned a degree in psychology. He chose to go to Yale because in College Bowl, an old knowledge competition TV program, he saw Yale compete against and defeat many other colleges, including Harvard. Carson wanted to participate in College Bowl, but the program was discontinued and.

3.  Carson is a Professor of Neurosurgery, Oncology, Plastic Surgery and Pediatrics at John Hopkins University. He was inspired to pursue a career in medicine when he heard stories in church of missionary doctors and their ability to heal people physically, mentally, and spiritually. At age 33, he became the youngest major division director in Johns Hopkins history, as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery. He is also a Co-Director of The Johns Hopkins Craniofacial Center. Carson used to perform 450-500 surgeries per year, but has reduced his surgery load to approximately 350 per year as his scheduled speaking engagements have increased.

4.  Carson is a member of the American Academy of Achievement, and the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2008, the White House awarded Benjamin Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. As an internationally renowned physician, Carson has authored over 100 neurosurgical publications, along with three best-selling books, and has been awarded 38 honorary doctorate degrees and dozens of national merit citations.

5.  In June 2002, Carson cut back on his public appearances when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He still operates on more than 300 children a year, but has been trying to shorten his days: prior to his cancer he used to work from 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night. He is also a devout Seventh-Day Adventist Christian.

6.  ^ Ben Carson Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story - Biography.com ^Ben Carson Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story - Biography.com  ^ a b Neurologists & Neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins - Profile: Dr. Benjamin Carson a bNeurologists & Neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins - Profile: Dr. Benjamin Carson  ^ a b Conversation from Penn State: Ben Carson Interview. a bConversation from Penn State: Ben Carson Interview.  ^ Biography and Video Interview of Benjamin Carson at Academy of Achievement. ^Biography and Video Interview of Benjamin Carson at Academy of Achievement.  ^ "Hopkins Surgeon Ben Carson Receives Medal of Freedom". John Hopkins University/Hospital. 20 June 2008. http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/newsDetail.aspx?id=4946. ^"Hopkins Surgeon Ben Carson Receives Medal of Freedom" http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/newsDetail.aspx?id=4946  ^ "Bio, Dr Benjamin Carson". John Hopkins University/Hospital. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/ped iatric_neurosurgery/profiles/team_member_profile/E83A85D46351E25BE722939B 61854C65/Benjamin_Carson. ^"Bio, Dr Benjamin Carson" http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/ped iatric_neurosurgery/profiles/team_member_profile/E83A85D46351E25BE722939B 61854C65/Benjamin_Carson  ^ Richard Dawkins & Daniel Dennett vs. Francis Collins & Benjamin Carson : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive ^Richard Dawkins & Daniel Dennett vs. Francis Collins & Benjamin Carson : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive  ^ Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009) at the Internet Movie Database ^ Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)Internet Movie Database