CHARLESTON -- Dr. Fred A. Crawford Jr., chief of cardiothoracic surgery and immediate past chairman of the Department of Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, was recently awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor in the state that can be conferred upon a civilian and is selected by the governor.

The award was presented to Crawford by former Gov. James Edwards during a special ceremony and dinner of 200 colleagues, family and friends honoring Crawford's 18 years of extraordinary contributions as the chairman of the Department of Surgery at MUSC.

"As an outstanding physician and leader in the medical community, you have established a standard of excellence that is second to none and, in these pursuits, you have touched the lives of thousands of folks throughout our state," read Edwards from Gov. Mark Sanford's letter. He went on to recognize Crawford's participation in the Rotary Clubs' Gift of Life program. "For many years, you have cured the hearts of countless children throughout the world, and for that we express our heartfelt thanks."

When Crawford came to MUSC as chief of cardiothoracic surgery 25 years ago, his goal was to create a comprehensive full-service cardiac program in South Carolina, to ensure all residents had access to the best medicine in their own state.

"Fred Crawford established the first cardiac transplantation program in this part of the South and one of the most prominent congenital heart surgery programs in the country," said Dr. Jerry Reves, dean of the College of Medicine at MUSC. "He has trained many surgeons to practice in our state and nation and has cared for countless numbers of our citizens who have had a myriad of both congenital and acquired heart diseases."

Since Crawford's arrival, the cardiac program at MUSC has grown to offer the entire spectrum of cardiac surgery including pediatric heart surgery, transplantation, aortic surgery, coronary bypass, atrioventricular canal surgery, ventricular restoration, surgery for congestive heart failure and ventricular assist device. Crawford's major interest is in the field of congenital heart defects and mitral valves.

He is widely published and considered an international expert in the field of congenital heart defects and mitral valves. He has served as an editorial reviewer for many journals, including the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chest and Circulation. Crawford is active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, where he served as vice-president and president; Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education; the World Heart Foundation; American Surgical Association and the American College of Cardiology. He also served on the American Board of Thoracic Surgery for 10 years, including a term as vice chairman and chairman.

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