IN recognition of his contributions to the field of cardiovascular treatment and research the American College of Cardiology has chosen Pakistan's well-known cardiologist Dr Shahryar A Sheikh for the 2009 International Service Award. The honour should not only do him and the medical community of Pakistan proud but also the entire nation, especially considering that the doctors in the country have to work under trying circumstances and put up with financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure. And on that score it should serve as an example for others in the profession to work harder. Highly regarded at the global level as a specialist in heart diseases, Dr Shahryar had been President of the World Heart Federation as well as President of the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology.