Carson separated the first twins conjoined at the head in 1987 , almost 30 years ago . They were the Binder twins from Germany . The surgery was considered successful because both twins survived the surgery , but not with very good results . Twins conjoined at the head almost never make it to their 2 nd birthday . In those 30 years since the Binder twins , Dr . Carson has successfully separated twins conjoined at the head , however , who are living normal lives today . Not all of the operations were a success , of course , but the patient ' s prognosis was incredibly grim before Dr . Carson became involved . He has also performed all sorts of miracles of pediatric neurosurgery in his career . Sure , Dr . Carson gave lectures about it because that ' s what one of the world ' s leading neurosurgeons does . How would that compare to Clinton ? What ' s that about ?