The Gifted Hands:

The first successful separation of conjoined twins at the head, the Binder Siamese twins
from Germany, began on an unspecified date in 1987, which ended after a 22 hour operation.
This event had a significant impact on many people, especially the neurosurgeons and families
with conjoined twins. The operation was successful because a team of physicians and nurses had
rehearsed for the sensitive surgery for months. The surgical procedure went on to help other
surgeons perform similar surgeries or operations.
While debating topics for this years National History Day project, I decided to select a
topic that had a significant impact on the United States, a topic that paved the way for other
things, and a topic that continues to be referenced. One of the most remarkable events which met
the criteria was the first successful separation of conjoined twins at the head. Although I created
my project in both points of view, Dr. Carson and his successful surgeries, I decided to focus
more on the operations because I thought if I expressed information from the operations, it would
show how the impacted the United States.
In the early stages of my research, I looked for the significance of the operation on the
United States. Next I sought out primary documents such as books, newspapers, articles,
pictures, and quotes from those impacted by the surgical operation. I discovered many books and
other sources that guided me to further research. One of my major sources was a televised
interview, shown in 2013; Dr. Ben Carson goes into further detail of his findings and what led up

to the first successful surgery of conjoined twins at the head. Another source was an article
written about the surgery describing the crucial moments during the 22 hour surgical operation.
I chose to create a website because I like the idea of combining visuals, storytelling, and
technology. To create my website, I used various references to record quotes, videos, pictures,
and documents. Also I thought that a website would be the best way to relay information in an
organized and easily digestible manner. I found great visuals to illustrate the prominent time.
Having designed websites in the past, I felt that this highly visual and interactive medium would
be perfect way to display these events.
The first successful separation of conjoined twins at the head directly affected doctors in
neurology and families with conjoined twins. The doctors worked long hours to make sure the
surgery was a success. Dr. Benjamin Carson among other doctors were determined to succeed,
despite the odds and obstacles against them. As a result of the of Ben Carson, also known as the
doctor with Gifted Hands, the surgery has been used as reference and his procedure will
continue to be used and or improved. Dr.Carson wasnt always successful with the surgeries of
conjoined twins. Dr. Ben Carson explored and studied conjoined twins, he also performed tests
and or experiments. Next he encountered challenges that he would have to overcome. Lastly he
exchange ideas with other surgeons to improve surgical procedures, which are still used today.

Process Paper: 500