Dr. Ben Carson: A Closer Look At The Man Who Rose From Neurosurgery To National Politics

What’s the Scoop on Dr. Ben Carson’s Net Worth?

Dr. Ben Carson, the renowned American neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate, boasts a net worth of $30 million. But let’s break it down. Beyond his medical expertise, Carson’s career has taken him from the operating room to the political arena. In 2017, he was appointed by President Donald Trump as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If we rewind to 2014, financial disclosures revealed his net worth at $26 million. However, by 2016, that number dipped slightly to $16 million. Despite this, Carson’s wealth is still impressive, with significant investments in publicly traded equities, including stakes in companies like Kellogg and Costco, where he also served on the Board of Directors.

How Did Dr. Carson Rack Up His Fortune?

Speaking Fees and Royalties: The Side Hustles

Dr. Carson’s wealth isn’t just tied to his medical career. Outside of the operating room, he’s become a master motivator, earning millions from speaking engagements. In 2014 alone, he pocketed over $2 million from speeches, with fees ranging from $12,000 to $50,000 per event. Here’s the kicker: between 2014 and 2015, Carson and his wife, Candy, raked in anywhere from $9 to $27 million through speaking fees, book royalties, and board memberships. During a 16-month stretch from 2014 to 2015, Carson delivered 141 speeches, earning him a cool $4 million.

His financial prowess didn’t stop there. During the same period, Carson earned between $2 million and $10 million as a board member for Kellogg and Costco. He also brought in between $1 million and $6 million from book royalties and another $200,000 to $2 million as a contributor to Fox News and the "Washington Times." Clearly, Carson’s side hustles paid off big time.

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From Detroit to the World Stage: Carson’s Early Days

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. was born on September 18, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. His story is one of resilience. Carson’s mother, Sonya, married his father, Robert Solomon Carson, when she was just 13 years old. After his father completed his military service, the family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. But life wasn’t easy. By 1959, Carson’s parents had separated, leaving him and his brother to live with their mother in Boston. Two years later, they moved back to Detroit, where Ben attended Southwestern High School, eventually graduating third in his class.

Education and Career: From Yale to Johns Hopkins

Carson’s academic journey began with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University, where he excelled despite initial academic struggles. Encouraged to persevere, he graduated in 1977 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. From there, Carson embarked on a prestigious career at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, serving as a surgical intern and neurosurgery resident. By 1983, he had completed his residency and spent the next two years as a Senior Registrar in Neurosurgery in Perth, Western Australia.

In 1984, Carson was appointed Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. Over the years, he became a trailblazer in the field, operating on approximately 300 children annually and specializing in traumatic brain injuries, brain and spinal cord tumors, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. His most famous achievement? Leading the team that successfully separated conjoined twins in 1987. Although the surgery was groundbreaking, it left both twins in vegetative states, highlighting the complexity and risks of such procedures.

Carson’s pioneering work in pediatric neurosurgery earned him numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. His research has been published in over 100 journals, and he retired from surgery in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and dedication.

From Surgeon to Statesman: Carson’s Political Journey

Carson’s foray into politics began with a bold speech at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast, where he delivered a pointed critique of President Barack Obama’s policies. This speech catapulted him into the national spotlight and set the stage for his 2016 presidential campaign. Though he initially led in the polls, Carson’s numbers dwindled after controversial ads and a lackluster performance in the presidential debates. By March 2016, he suspended his campaign, endorsing Donald Trump shortly thereafter.

In March 2017, Carson was appointed as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by President Trump. Throughout his political career, Carson has worn many hats, identifying as a Democrat, Republican, and independent at various points in his life.

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Dr. Carson, the Author: Inspiring Millions Through Words

Carson’s influence extends beyond the operating room and the political arena. He’s also a best-selling author, with works like "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" and "Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence." His books cover everything from personal growth to political philosophy, reaching a wide audience and solidifying his status as a thought leader. His writings have inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence and think big in their own lives.

Personal Life: Family and Health

Dr. Ben Carson has been happily married to Candy since 1975, and together they have three children: Rhoeyce, Benjamin Jr., and Murray. Their eldest son was born in Perth during Carson’s residency. In 2002, Carson faced a health scare when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fortunately, he underwent a successful operation at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has since made a full recovery.

Real Estate: Carson’s Dream Homes

Dr. Carson’s real estate portfolio reflects his success and changing priorities over the years. In 2001, he and Candy purchased a sprawling 48-acre property in Upperco, Maryland. By 2013, they had moved to West Palm Beach, Florida. After his confirmation as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 2017, Carson purchased a $1.22 million home in Vienna, Virginia, selling his West Palm Beach residence for over $900,000. These moves highlight not just his financial acumen but also his adaptability to new chapters in life.