Newswise — MAYWOOD, Ill. - Loyola University Medical Center stroke specialist Jose Biller, MD is among four Hispanic leaders being recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for their contributions to improving the health and well-being of multicultural communities.

Dr. Biller and the other three leaders are being recognized in conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.

As a spokesperson/volunteer for the American Stroke Association, Dr. Biller participates in media tours, educational videos and national media efforts to generate stroke awareness among Hispanic audiences.

Also being recognized are Cuban-American attorney Alexander P. Almazan, church pastor Lucy Guzman and consultant Pegui Maridueña.

“As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we express gratitude to all four of these outstanding leaders for the difference they are making to improve patient outcomes and build risk-factor awareness in minority and underserved communities,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “We are inspired by the example they set every day and their unwavering dedication as champions of multicultural health.”

Dr. Biller is an internationally known expert on stroke and other neurological disorders. He has given more than 500 lectures and presentations at scientific meetings around the world, and is an author of more than 500 scientific articles and studies. Dr. Biller is chief editor of the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, and an editorial board member and reviewer for other national and international journals and publications.

Dr. Biller grew up in Uruguay and went to medical school at the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay. He came to the United States in 1976. In 2013, Dr. Biller was named Foreign Academic Correspondent of the National Academy of Medicine in Uruguay. The honor from Uruguay’s most prestigious academic medical society recognized Dr. Biller’s teaching and scientific publications, as well as his moral and ethical accomplishments. Dr. Biller is chair of the Department of Neurology of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.