Although he was not originally interested in surgery, he was encouraged by others - and eventually discovered himself - that he had an innate ability to think three dimensionally and perform delicate surgeries with incredible precision. The book is called “Gifted Hands” because of Carson’s call to become a surgeon. This calling leads him to Yale University as a pre-medical student, the University of Michigan Medical School, and eventually to Johns Hopkins as a resident. Woven throughout his childhood vignettes is his interest in becoming a doctor, which he describes as a calling. He tells of the struggles faced by his family early in his life, including being raised by a single mother and living in poverty in Detroit. This is particularly notable as he recounts the separation of the conjoined twins, as he emphasizes the teamwork required and focuses on the success of the group much more than his own abilities. Carson does this well, and deserves credit for his ability to accurately recount his numerous accomplishments without once sounding conceited or arrogant. Writing about oneself objectively can be a difficult task, and I would imagine that it is even more difficult when one is a world-renowned surgeon. Perhaps his most noteworthy characteristic, evident throughout the book, is his humility.
Carson is shown to be an honest and down-to-earth person, and his way of writing is a testament to his consistency of character. Through his own account, as well as a brief snippet from one of his patients, Dr. His prose is straightforward, conversational and very readable. Carson’s personality is evident through his writing style. The story of these accomplishments is told by Dr. Even so, his medical stories are fascinating, and his contribution to neurosurgery cannot be overstated. Those with some medical background, including medical students, will find his accounts lacking an abundance of detail, as the book was clearly written to a broader audience. Carson writes about the field in a way that non-medical readers can easily grasp. Although the greatest portion of the book is about medicine, Dr. “Gifted Hands” is the nonfiction account of Ben Carson’s life story, beginning with his earliest childhood memories and following him through his appointment to Johns Hopkins faculty at the impressive age of 33. Although he personally accomplished or was connected to many remarkable achievements, he is best known for his cutting-edge work in neurosurgery, particularly for performing hemispherectomies and separating conjoined twins. Carson, now retired, formerly worked as a clinical faculty member at Johns Hopkins University as the chief of pediatric neurosurgery. In his autobiographical work “Gifted Hands,” the pediatric neurosurgeon outlines his fascinating life journey - one filled with inspiration, adversity and spirituality.ĭr. In the case of Ben Carson, both of are true.
Starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise, Aunjanue Ellis.Some people’s life stories are worth writing down because of one thing or several things they did that had a historical significance others are worth writing because of the diverse experiences and interesting stories that filled their lives. Still, Gifted Hands is inspiring from start to finish, proving it isn’t where you begin, but the direction you pursue, that determines where you end up. The script also contains a few mild profanities. While the production includes portrayals of medical procedures and surgery, these scenes are not overly graphic (some blood is shown and verbal references are made to death).
Ben Carson, this made-for-TV movie demonstrates the amazing results that can be achieved through hard work and vision. As the responsibility of life and death decisions weigh on his mind, Ben searches to find the best treatment plan for the conjoined twins, as well as all the children placed in his care.īased on the real life story of Dr.
Now the talented doctor finds himself reflecting on a road that has been strewn with racial prejudice, personal and professional challenges, along with numerous blessings. And thanks to the supportive love of his family and a beautiful fellow university student he meets at Yale (Aunjanue Ellis), the young man is able to chart a new course one that eventually leads to the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution. (These depictions, which include physical scuffling and an attempted knifing, constitute the violent content in the film.)Īfraid of what he might become, Ben turns to God for help managing his anger. Later, his hot head leads to a violent incident at school that nearly costs him all hopes for his future.
Carson about his poor choices, an ugly argument erupts. Quick-tempered, the teen wants friends and is soon battling with peer pressure and an invitation to become involved with a rough crowd.