UF and Shands Jacksonville Remembers Dr. Eric Frykberg, 1951-2013

Eric R. Frykberg, M.D., a longtime University of Florida colleague and leader at Shands Jacksonville, died March 25 at the age of 62.

For nearly 30 years, Frykberg was a key leader at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center who played an integral role in all aspects of the Department of Surgery as professor of surgery and chief of the Division of General Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine–Jacksonville.

Frykberg received his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency in general surgery at New York University and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Frykberg was a staff surgeon at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville from 1982 to 1985. He then joined the medical staff at University Medical Center and the faculty of the University of Florida. He was clinically and academically productive, progressing quickly to tenure as a professor.

Frykberg was active nationally and internationally. He will be particularly remembered for his advancements in trauma care and disaster preparedness. He was a founding member and past-president of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma; a governor of the American College of Surgeons and a member of its Committee on Trauma; and was a fellow of the American Surgical Association and a fellow of the Southern Surgical Association.

Frykberg's academic interests involved not only trauma care and disaster management, but vascular injuries, general surgical problems and the management of breast cancer and breast diseases. His broad experience and knowledge were key attributes to his success as a master surgical educator.

Frykberg is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patti; daughter Erica Glass, D.O.; son Brett Frykberg, M.D.; daughter Jessica Vogel and five grandchildren.