Dr. Jeffrey Saver, professor of neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine and director of the UCLA Stroke Center, was named 2010 Physician Volunteer of the Year, one of the top honors given by the American Heart Association to volunteers in the Western States Affiliate, which covers California, Nevada and Utah.
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated the most distinguished commitment and service to the American Heart Association during the past fiscal year and over time. Saver received the award at the AHA Western States Affiliate Volunteer Awards Dinner in Burlingame, CA, June 2.
Saver was recognized for his years of exemplary service to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) at the national, affiliate and division levels.
He was particularly cited for his tireless efforts in establishing true stroke systems of care in Los Angeles in the last 10 years. Saver's work was instrumental in the Emergency Medical Service Commission's passage of a new stroke destination policy in Los Angeles that recognized primary stroke center status as a factor for selecting a receiving hospital for a stroke patient.
The UCLA physician was also recognized for his accomplishments as chair of the California Stroke Work Group. Under his leadership, the work group recently completed stroke system implementation recommendations, a model document that will raise the standard of stroke care throughout the state of California.
"Dr. Saver is a great advocate for the American Heart Association and his passion and hard work, particularly around raising the standard of stroke care in Los Angeles and throughout California, will make a huge impact on our mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke," said Bob Larlee, Board Chair, American Heart Association, Los Angeles Division. "He is so deeply committed to our mission and without him our fight against heart disease and stroke would be much more difficult."
Saver, who has served on several national AHA committees, recently published research noting improved outcomes in hospitals using the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Stroke quality improvement program.
"Over the past decade, initiatives launched by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association have transformed systems of care for stroke patients in the Western United States, reducing death and disability for thousands of patients and their families," said Saver. "I am extremely grateful to the volunteers and staff of the AHA/ASA for this Award and for their tireless work on behalf of patients with stroke and cardiovascular diseases."
The UCLA Stroke Center is recognized as one of the world's leading centers for the management of cerebral vascular disease. The center treats simple and complex vascular disorders by incorporating recent developments in emergency medicine, stroke neurology, microneurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, stereotactic radiology, neurointensive care, neuroanesthesiology and rehabilitation neurology. UCLA's stroke program is unique in its ability to integrate clinical and research activities across multiple disciplines and departments. Founded in 1994, the UCLA Stroke Center is designated as a certified Primary Stroke Center by the national Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
