The award's criterion is outstanding performance in Family Medicine in difficult circumstances, and Dr Qidwai has been feted for his academic achievements in the context of the developing world. Dr Qidwai will present five papers, the highest by any participant, at the forthcoming World Conference of Family Doctors. Scheduled to be held in Orlando, USA, in October 2004, the Conference will be the largest scientific gathering of doctors in recent history with up to 15,000 physicians expected to attend. Dr Qidwai's presentations will include a paper on 'Bioethics Perceptions and Family Physicians in Karachi, Pakistan', an area in which he conducted pioneering research at AKU in 1999-2000.