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Anesthesiology professor receives South Carolina's highest civilian honor by Heather Woolwine Public Relations When Charles Wallace, M.D., gathered with his family near Beaufort for annual holiday festivities Dec. 16, he anticipated being surrounded by the more than 40 family members. What he didn’t expect was to receive the highest civilian honor bestowed from the state of South Carolina via the governor’s office.    “Tom Davis of the governor’s staff drove two miles out into the woods just to bring me this award, and I was so pleasantly surprised and pleased to be recognized in such a prestigious way with my family around me,” said Wallace, a Department of Anesthesiology professor and medical director of ambulatory surgery. “I really owe this award to my mentors, scout master, friends, family and colleagues. In whatever I’ve done, it’s always been a team effort. I work with a great team at MUSC, and it is through working together with others that has led me to be able to accomplish whatever I have done.”   Dr. Charles Wallace with his Order of the Palmetto award. The award was presented to Wallace Dec. 16.   Wallace was nominated for the Order of the Palmetto by SC Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell. A special committee assigned by the governor reviews all nominees and determines their qualifications for the award.   In his letter to Wallace, Gov. Mark Sanford described him as an outstanding physician and leader in the medical community, and as having established a standard of excellence that is second to none, which has improved the quality of life for thousands in the state. Sanford complimented Wallace on his tireless advocacy and said he was impressed with the breadth of Wallace’s devotion to many causes, including the Charleston County Library, Charleston County Council, Charleston Medical Society, the American and South Carolina Societies of Anesthesiologists and Carolina Art Association. “Each has benefited greatly from your wisdom, leadership and strong support,” Sanford wrote.   In addition, Sanford noted Wallace’s accomplishments professionally by way of varied papers, publications and letters, as well as scientific exhibits presented across the country.   Sanford thanked Wallace for his military service in the United States Air Force Reserve, adding, “We are deeply grateful for the dedication of men and women like you who made the commitment and sacrifice to protect our nation and the freedoms my boys now enjoy and will one day cherish.”     Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.