Dr M Afzal Mir was born in Trehgam, Kashmir and his early education took place in a local High School where he topped his class every one of the 10 years. He studied sciences in S.P. College at Srinagar where he took his Interscience Examination in 1956. He obtained 2nd position in the Jammu & Kashmir University in the pass list of that year. He was selected for medical training and he undertook his medical studies in G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, M.P. (India). He qualified in 1962 after his 9 months internship at the S.M.H.S. Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir. During his medical studies he obtained 1st prizes in Anatomy and Physiology in 1957, Certificates of Honour in Anatomy and Physiology in 1958, Certificate of Honour in Forensic Medicine in 1959 and 5th position in Vikram University in the final M.B.B.S. examination in 1961. Dr Mir came to the UK in 1964 and obtained his postgraduate training in the United Kingdom. He was awarded the Young Investigators Award by the British Cardiac Society in 1976 and a Travelling Fellowship by the British Heart Foundation in 1977. Dr Mir has retired as a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Physician from the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.