P. Daniel Patterson, PhD, was chosen for the 2012 Michael E and Sandra P Samuels Distinguished Alumni Award of the Department of Health Services Policy and Management in the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. He received this the first week of May in Columbia – a recognition of his excellence and national stature plus impact. Daniel’s work on fatigue, error and safety in front line health care workers is ground breaking and practical – he will improve the care of many and improve the lives of many partners.