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Ben Carson

Ben Carson is an American retired neurosurgeon, author, and politician.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ben Carson is an American retired neurosurgeon, author, and politician. He served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021 and was a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries.

Early life and education

Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1951. Sources describe him as having been raised by a single mother and later studying at Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School.

Medical career

Carson became a pediatric neurosurgeon and served for nearly 30 years as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. He is credited with major surgical advances, including the first successful separation of twins conjoined at the back of the head.

Political career

Carson became active in politics and sought the Republican nomination for president in 2016. He was later nominated and confirmed as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, serving from 2017 to 2021.

Public profile and writings

Carson is also an author and public speaker, with biographies and institutional profiles noting multiple books and public recognition for his medical and civic work.

Key facts

  • Ben Carson is a retired neurosurgeon known for pioneering pediatric neurosurgery, including the first successful separation of craniopagus twins.
  • He served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021.
  • He was a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries.
  • Biographical sources describe him as one of the most prominent Black conservatives in the United States.
  • Carson is also an author and public speaker with multiple books.
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Canadian context

Ben Carson is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a prominent U.S. political figure and physician whose policy views and 2016 presidential campaign received international media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ben Carson?
Ben Carson is an American retired neurosurgeon, author, and former government official who served as U.S. secretary of housing and urban development from 2017 to 2021.
What is Ben Carson known for medically?
He is known for pioneering work in neurosurgery, including the first successful separation of conjoined twins attached at the back of the head.
Did Ben Carson run for president?
Yes. He was a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries.
What government office did Ben Carson hold?
He served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021.
Where was Ben Carson born?
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on September 18, 1951.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Carson
    Supports: Full name, birth date, career overview, 2016 presidential primary candidacy, and HUD service dates.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ben-Carson
    Supports: Birthplace, neurosurgical achievements, and HUD service.
  3. U.S. Congress — https://www.congress.gov/119/meeting/house/118210/witnesses/HHRG-119-GO27-Bio-CarsonMDB-20250507.pdf
    Supports: Biographical details, Johns Hopkins role, surgical achievements, education, and honors.
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/ben-carson-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and career overview.
  5. Ballotpedia — https://www.ballotpedia.org/Ben_Carson
    Supports: HUD confirmation, office dates, and political office information.