Chevy Chase, MD, June 14, 2008 - The Endocrine Society is pleased to announce that F. John Service, M.D., is the 2008 recipient of its Distinguished Physician Award. This award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the practice of clinical endocrinology. The award will be presented to Dr. Service at ENDO 08, The Endocrine Society’s 90th Annual Meeting, which will take place from June 15-18, 2008, in San Francisco, California.

For years, Dr. Service has made major medical contributions to the treatment of diabetes and hypoglycemic disorders. In the late 1960s, he used continuous blood glucose analysis in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus to pioneer the modernization of treatment using intensive insulin therapy. Known for his superb record in treating patients with hypoglycemia, Dr. Service’s opinion on the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with hypoglycemia is sought by physicians worldwide. He is an internationally recognized expert in diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia.

Dr. Service completed his fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 1969 when he was immediately recruited for a position on staff. He was promoted to Professor of Medicine in 1982, and still holds the position 40 years later. Although he is considered a clinician at Mayo, he has cut across roles into academia, successfully balancing patient care, teaching, and research. Serving as a mentor and role model, he has taught medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians the art and science of endocrinology.

The outstanding leadership of Dr. Service has shone through his more than 200 publications and over 50 invited national and international symposia. His five-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Endocrine Practice, during which he authored over 30 editorials, has proven his dedication to the foster growth of practicing physicians. A generous contributor to the practice of endocrinology, Dr. F. John Service is an archetype for The Endocrine Society’s 2008 Distinguished Physician Award.

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.