By Sherrie Khadanga, MD, and Patrick D. Savage, MS, FAACVPR

Philip Ades, MD — loving husband, father, and grandfather; devoted New York Yankees and Maryland Terrapins fan; esteemed professor and cardiologist; and pioneer in the field of cardiac rehabilitation — passed away November 27, 2024. 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Ades received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Maryland. He completed his medicine residency at McGill University in Canada and his cardiology fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He was the Endowed Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine as well as the founding director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Dr. Ades additionally held the title of Associate Director at the Vermont Center for Behavior and Health.

Over the years, his numerous contributions to the field of cardiac rehabilitation included authorship on more than 240 publications and many textbook chapters. He also co-wrote numerous position papers that are central to how cardiac rehabilitation is practiced today. Dr. Ades received multiple research grants from a variety of organizations, including the National Institute of Health. Throughout his career, his research was focused on developing treatment strategies to optimize clinical outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation. Additionally, his research included a focus on vulnerable populations, including individuals of lower socioeconomic status, women, and older patients with cardiovascular disease. 

Dr. Ades was passionate about the importance of exercise and the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. He also had the foresight to recognize that while great things can be accomplished individually, the most effective way to move the field forward was through collaboration. Over 40 years ago, with that mindset, he and others helped to create the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). He served on many different committees, took a turn as President of the association, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention.

Dr. Ades’ contributions to AACVPR, and to cardiac rehabilitation overall, did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by the accolades showered on him over the years. He was honored with the AACVPR Distinguished Service Award, a Presidential Recognition and Citation Award, and the L. Kent Smith Award of Excellence. He was also the recipient of the first annual Michael L. Pollock Established Investigator Award. 

In addition to a robust research career, Dr. Ades was a dedicated and compassionate clinician. And no one was more committed to pursuing a healthy lifestyle than he. Dr. Ades enthusiastically adhered to a Mediterranean diet and exercised every day. During his lunch break or after clinic, he would go for a run. He was also often seen exercising at the cardiac rehabilitation gym next to his patients. When orthopedic issues prohibited him from running, he continued exercising religiously on his spin bike or going for walks or hikes. A follower of the mantra “practice what you preach,” Dr. Ades was also an exceptional communicator and teacher, conveying to the next generation of physicians and other clinicians the value of preventive cardiology. He enjoyed working with students and trainees, proving himself to be a valued mentor to many. 

The name Phil Ades is synonymous with cardiac rehabilitation. His passion resonated with patients. He inspired, motivated, and enabled thousands of patients to achieve better health outcomes. That, in and of itself, is a remarkable career achievement. However, through everything he accomplished on a national and international level, he shaped the way cardiac rehabilitation is practiced. As a result, he helped to better the lives of millions around the world. He was a true pioneer whose legacy will live on through his numerous contributions that have helped to transform the discipline of cardiac rehabilitation.

Sherrie Khadanga, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UVM Larner College of Medicine. Patrick D. Savage, MS, FAACVPR, is Clinical Lead and Senior Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center.