Dr. Philip A. Ades

Dr. Philip Ades, a prominent cardiologist and pioneer in the field of cardiac rehabilitation passed away on November 27th, 2024.
For over 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, New York, 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 University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. He was the founding director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center. With his colleagues, he established The Vermont Center for Behavior and Health.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ades made numerous contributions to the field, authoring over 200 publications and receiving multiple research grants from the National Institute of Health. Towards 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 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 2 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 to his memory may be made to his Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and to Home Health and Hospice. Both sites can be located on the UVMMC website.
A Memorial Service to honor Phil will be held at UVM in mid-January. Final arrangements are pending.