Dr. Albert N. Brest, a resident of Elkins Park (Cheltenham Township), passed away on Saturday, February 21. He was 97.

Dr. Brest graduated from Temple Medical School in 1953 and completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease in 1959, his obituary said. He became the first full-time director of the Division of Cardiology at Jefferson Health and established the cardiac care unit, sections of echocardiography and electrophysiology, and a formalized fellowship training in cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Brest performed clinical research and was extensively published, authoring over 300 papers and 40 books, several of which were translated into other languages.

“Practicing and teaching for over 50 years allowed him to care for thousands of patients and to inspire almost as many medical students, residents and fellows,” his obituary said.

Services were held today. Shiva will be observed at the Briar House (8302 Old York Road, Elkins Park) following burial at 2:30 P.M. as well as from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 27. 

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