In Memoriam: Jeffrey Ardell, PhD
Dear colleagues:
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jeffrey Ardell, PhD, an esteemed colleague, mentor and friend to many in the UCLA Department of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Cardiology, and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Ardell was a professor-in-residence with dual appointment in the department of medicine and department of anesthesiology. He passed away on February 12, 2025 leaving a profound impact on our university, health system, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness and leadership.
Dr. Ardell was born on December 20, 1952 in Pueblo, Colorado. He dedicated his academic life to advancing the understanding cardiac neural control. His pioneering research on bioelectronic medicine, particularly in developing electroceuticals to treat heart failure, has left a lasting impact on the field. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Colorado College in 1975 and his Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Washington in 1980. His academic journey led him to significant leadership roles, including professor of biomedical sciences and vice chair for research at the Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. He joined the UCLA Department of Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology in 2014. He served as the inaugural director of the Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence at the UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center when it was established in that same year. He served in this role until 2021.
Dr. Ardell is survived by his wife Kim Sturgill Ardell, son Chris Ardell, daughters Heather Johnson and Sarah Ardell. His legacy as a loving husband, father, devoted scientist, and a beloved colleague will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact will continue to inspire for generations to come.
A memorial service to honor Dr. Ardell's life and contributions will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025 in Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to ReNEWed Church in his memory.
Sincerely,
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
Priscilla Hsue, MD
Kawata Professor of Medicine
Chief, Division of Cardiology
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
Related Posts
MESSAGE FROM DoM LEADERSHIP Dear colleagues, 2025 has challenged us in new and unexpected ways. As you are likely aware, several federal notices have been issued regarding[...]
The UCLA Department of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Shahram Shafi, MD as regional ambulatory medical director for the Central Coast and associate clinical[...]
Updated 2/6/2025 Dear Colleagues: On January 31, 2025, after three challenging weeks, we received the news that we had all been hoping for: the Los[...]