Surgeon Anne Wallace, M.D., professor of clinical surgery at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, is a 2009 recipient of the prestigious San Diego YWCA Tribute to Women & Industry Award. The award recognizes women for their outstanding achievement, leadership and contributions to their organizations.

Wallace is leader of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center's Breast Care Team. Collaborating with specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and nursing, the team ensures the best possible care for patients with breast cancer and other breast-related diseases. She has dual appointments in the divisions of surgical oncology and plastic surgery in the Department of Surgery and performs breast, reconstructive and general plastic surgery.

A leader in clinical research, Wallace has been instrumental in the continuing development and testing of new technology to improve the ability to determine whether a patient's cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

"Dr. Wallace's skill, dedication and leadership make her an ideal recipient for this award," said Andrew M. Lowy, M.D., professor of surgery at the UC San Diego School of Medicine and chief of surgical oncology at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.

Recruited more than a decade ago to expand the breast surgery program at the center, Wallace is among a select group of surgeons in the nation who specializes in both breast and plastic surgery. In addition to seeing new patients and performing breast and reconstructive surgery, she also is involved in chemoprevention and counseling, particularly for high-risk patients.

A member of such prestigious organizations as the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Wallace has been named a Top Doctor in San Diego Magazine on numerous occasions. She has received research funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society, and has published research findings in a wide range of peer-reviewed journals. Wallace lectures widely and frequently speaks to local organizations about the importance of good health and cancer prevention.

The Moores UCSD Cancer Center is one of the nation's 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, combining research, clinical care and community outreach to advance the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer.