World-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, motivational speaker and acclaimed
author, Benjamin Carson, M.D., is the keynote speaker at the 1998 Region
II Conference of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). The conference,
which is hosted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its SNMA
chapter, will be held Oct. 23 at the DoubleTree Hotel.
As part of his visit Dr. Carson also will address area youth at a public
program.
Dr. Carson is director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University
Hospital in Baltimore, Md. In 1987, he performed a landmark surgery and
became the first physician to successfully separate Siamese twins joined
at the head. He is the author of Gifted Hands and Think Big, which
tell the story of his life as a troubled youth in Detroit. As a young man
he was best-known as the class dummy who had a violent temper. However,
the true message of these books is the way he beat the odds, excelled in
school and began his career.
In one year Dr. Carson went from the lowest ranking student in his fifth
grade class to being number one in his sixth grade class. He graduated
from high school with honors, attended Yale University and received his
medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School.
Nichelle Horton, president of the universitys SNMA chapter, said a
number of tickets are available for the keynote address and dinner at 7
p.m. Saturday. Tickets can be purchased for $35.00 through the UNMC Public
Affairs office at 559-4353.
In addition to delivering the keynote address at the conference, Dr.
Carson will present a motivational seminar to students in the Omaha Public
School district, the Boys and Girls Club of America and Girls, Inc.
The free program is open to the public and will be held Saturday, Oct.
24 at the Skinner-Magnet Center, 4304 North 33rd Street, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Review & Herald Publishing Company has donated several copies of
Dr. Carsons autobiographies, which will be given-away in a drawing. Dr.
Carson will also be available after the presentation for a book signing.
Dr. Carson is an inspiration to us all and we are excited to
bring him to Omaha, Horton said. We want to encourage all youth and their
parents to attend our free program at Skinner Magnet.
The SNMA is a multi-ethnic group of medical students who share common
interest in leadership development, social awareness, and service to humanity,
and excellence as physicians. The non-profit organization was established
nearly 30 years ago and continues to address issues of importance to minority
medical students. The conference will attract more than 200 medical students
from a 10-state region, which includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $27 million in
research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Nichelle is the correct spelling.