Dr.
Philip A. Ades, a prominent cardiologist and pioneer in the field of
cardiac rehabilitation, passed away on November 27, 2024.
For
more than 40 years, Dr. Ades focused his career on the concept of
cardiac rehabilitation functioning as a broad secondary prevention
program beyond just the delivery of exercise. He developed numerous
guidelines adopted by the American Heart Association and the American
College of Cardiology.
Born
in Brooklyn, N.Y., a proud Yankees fan, Dr. Ades graduated from
Stuyvesant High School and went on to complete undergraduate and
medical degrees from the University of Maryland. He spent his
academic career at the University of Vermont as an endowed professor
of medicine at the UVM Larner College of Medicine. He was the
founding director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary
Prevention Program at the UVM Medical Center. With his colleagues, he
established the Vermont Center on Behavior and Health.
Throughout
his career, Dr. Ades made numerous contributions to the field,
authoring more than 200 publications and receiving multiple research
grants from the National Institute of Health. Toward the latter part
of his career, he examined ways of optimizing exercise training in
vulnerable populations with cardiovascular disease. He laid the
groundwork to expand exercise training to those with congestive heart
failure. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Ades was dedicated to
disseminating information on cardiac rehabilitation.
In
addition to his robust research career, he was a dedicated clinician
adored by his patients, often seen exercising next to them at Cardiac
Rehab and a strong believer in “practicing what he preached.”
Dr.
Ades was also a dedicated teacher, introducing the new generation of
physicians to the value of preventive cardiology. He was very proud
of the achievements of the students, fellows and young scientists he
trained. He believed strongly in the advancement of women in science
and medicine and mentored many women to successful careers.
Beyond
his career accomplishments, he was a loving father of three children,
Rebecca (Q Ton), James and Anika (Danny Vargo), and a devoted husband
to Dr. Deborah Rubin. The recent addition of two grandsons, River and
Mylo, brought him tremendous joy. He was loved and will be missed by
his friends, colleagues, patients and family.
He
was predeceased by his first wife, Gail DeWitt Ades.
Donations
in his memory may be made to his Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and
to UVM Home Health & Hospice. Both can be located on the UVMMC
website.
A
memorial service to honor Phil will be held in mid-January at UVM.
Final arrangements are pending.
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2024.