Dr. Ben Carson is a retired American neurosurgeon, author, and former government official known for his pioneering work in pediatric neurosurgery, especially for performing the first successful separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head. He served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021 under the Trump administration. Carson became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center at age 33 and performed numerous groundbreaking surgeries during his nearly 30-year medical career. He is also known for his political involvement, including a 2016 presidential campaign and conservative activism. Carson has received many honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and has authored several books.