October 28, 2003
Director of Media Relations
413/542-8417
AMHERST, Mass.- Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, will give the annual Schwemm Fund Lecture in Johnson Chapel at Amherst College on Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. Carson's talk, on "Healthcare and Healthy Lifestyles," and a catered reception to follow are free and open to the public.
A graduate of Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School, Carson is a world-renowned neurosurgeon whose practice includes traumatic brain injuries, brain and spinal cord tumors and neurological and congenital disorders. He is best known for leading the medical team that separated German Siamese twins in 1987. He and his team performed the first successful separation of twins joined at the head 10 years later.
Carson is the president and co-founder of two humanitarian organizations: the Benevolent Endowment Network, which helps to fund medical care for pediatric neurosurgery patients whose families are without insurance to cover expenses; and the Carson Scholars Fund, an organization recognizing young people for extraordinary academic and humanitarian accomplishments. He is also highly regarded for his work as a motivational speaker, and was the keynote speaker at the 1997 President's National Prayer Breakfast. His many published works include three books: Gifted Hands, Think Big and The Big Picture.
The Schwemm Fund, the Office of the President, Health Professions Advising, the Biology Department, Neuroscience Program and Center for Religious Life at Amherst College and the Willis Wood Foundation are sponsoring Carson's visit.
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