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Journey of Hope Gala Honoree Spotlight: Dr. Moris Angulo, MD

For more than three decades, Dr. Moris Angulo, MD, has been a tireless champion for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), in exam rooms, at conferences, across continents, and in the hearts of the families he serves.

Born in the small town of El Tránsito, El Salvador, Dr. Angulo’s journey to becoming a board-certified pediatrician, medical geneticist, and pediatric endocrinologist began with humble roots. Having known what it means to be in need, he has spent his career “paying it forward” – transforming lives with the same generosity once shown to him.

Today, as Director of Medical Genetics and Assistant Director of Pediatric Endocrinology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY, Dr. Angulo cares for approximately 400 individuals with PWS. To his patients (his beloved “Pee-Wee’s”) he is more than a doctor; he is a trusted friend, a frequent and beloved attendee at New York PWS chapter events, and the host of an annual holiday party filled with joy and laughter.

His work extends far beyond New York. Dr. Angulo has personally funded and undertaken medical outreach to countries such as Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Chile, and his native El Salvador. Whether providing training for physicians, securing life-saving medications, or delivering a much-needed microscope to a hospital in Honduras, he has turned compassion into action. He has welcomed international families into his own home, counseled countless others via email, and bridged language barriers to bring specialized care to Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

Professionally, Dr. Angulo has helped shape the global standard of care for PWS. He played a pivotal role in securing approval for the general use of Growth Hormone (GH) therapy in children with PWS, a breakthrough that dramatically improves height, muscle mass, bone development, and quality of life. His groundbreaking 1996 publication on GH therapy helped pave the way for an international consensus that GH treatment should be available to all children with PWS without unnecessary barriers.

In addition to his clinical care and advocacy, Dr. Angulo has co-authored 13 peer-reviewed articles, participated in multiple clinical trials, and published 90 works cited more than 2,300 times. He serves on the Clinical and Scientific Board of the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation (IPWSO) and the Clinical Advisory Board of PWSA | USA.

According to a past interview with IPWSO, when asked if he plans to retire, Dr. Angulo’s answer was simple: “No, not as long as I love my work – and I especially enjoy working with my Pee-Wee’s.”

As one colleague reflected after watching him interact with patients at a gala dance floor: “Look what a difference you have made in their lives!” For Dr. Angulo, that difference isn’t measured in awards or titles, though he’s been recognized as a Top Doctor by the Global Directory of Who’s Who, but in hugs, smiles, and the knowledge that his life’s work has brought health and hope to thousands.

Thank you, Dr. Angulo, for all you have done and continue to do for the PWS community.

Journey of Hope Gala Honorees

Dr. Moris Angulo

Dr. Merlin Butler

Dr. Susie Cassidy

Fausta Deterling

Gene Deterling (Posthumously)

Dr. Dan Driscoll

Joan Gardner

Jim Gardner (Posthumously)

Janalee Heinemann

Dr. Vanja Holm (Posthumously)

Jim Kane

Lota Mitchell

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