Cardiologist Devi Shetty received the University of MinnesotaâÄôs highest honor Tuesday, a Doctor of Laws degree.

Shetty, an adjunct professor at the UniversityâÄôs Medical School, was awarded the degree for his contributions to public service. The University gave out its first honorary degree in 1925, since then its granted 261 honorary degrees.

âÄúDr. Shetty is a true visionary and represents just the kind of âÄòworld citizenâÄô that the University of Minnesota seeks to recognize,âÄù former Senior Vice President of Health Sciences Frank Cerra said in a statement. âÄúPersonally, I feel honored to know him and to have witnessed firsthand the incredible care he provides.âÄù

Shetty pioneered pediatric surgery in India and currently oversees a 1,500-bed hospital in Bangalore, India that performs the most pediatric heart surgeries in the world.

Additionally, Shetty developed a micro-insurance program that provides coverage for 3 million people. He hopes to add another 30,000 beds to hospitals across India in the next five years.