The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award
Peter Wallace 69MD, 74R
Dedicated and community-driven, Peter Wallace is following a distinguished career as a pediatrician with extensive leadership in health care initiatives. He is intentional in giving his time and talent to local, state, and international organizations that focus on improving the lives of children.
As a physician, Wallace was the founder of Pediatric Associates of Iowa City and vice president of medical staff affairs at Mercy Iowa City. Over the years, he worked diligently to enhance safety, education, and health. Wallace participated in successfully lobbying the Iowa Legislature to establish requirements for car seats and school immunizations. In 2003, he received the UI Carver College of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award.
Wallace's legacy is embedded in Iowa City, where he has lived and worked most of his life. He served nine years on the Iowa City Community School District Board and was instrumental in establishing Healthy Kids Community Care, the free school-based health clinics, and became one of their providers and fundraisers.
Currently 82, Wallace is the medical director for the Johnson County Health Department and is in his 15th year as a member of the Johnson County Board of Health. Since 2011, he has also contributed his expertise to the Iowa Public Health Association, which honored him in 2025 with a Lifetime Achievement Award. As a Rotarian, Wallace is focusing on polio eradication and cleft lip and palate repair missions. Always in pursuit of excellent community health, Wallace’s contributions are forever appreciated.