Dr Frohlich founded the first Lipid Clinic in Western Canada, pioneering the diagnosis and treatment of lipid and cholesterol disorders to prevent heart disease. His work led to the establishment of the largest clinic of its kind in English Canada seeing several thousand patient visits each year. The clinic is now part of a broader prevention strategy since merging with the Healthy Heart Program at St Paul’s Hospital.  As Academic Director of the Healthy Heart Program and Director of the Lipid Clinic, he became a foundational figure in modern preventative heart disease practices in British Columbia.

His research and clinical work have shaped contemporary medical thinking around the link between cholesterol and heart disease.  He was among the first physicians in Canada to address the need for identification and treatment of inherited dyslipidemia that is not attributable to lifestyle. He was the lead author on the first Canadian guidelines for the management of dyslipidemias commissioned by Health Canada. During his career he published over 400 peer reviewed articles and was the recipient of numerous academic awards and prizes.

In recognition of his leadership in his academic discipline and his service to patients in British Columbia, he was awarded the Order of British Columbia in 2017.

Dr. Frohlich's academic legacy also includes his unique skills as a compassionate mentor to emerging clinicians and basic scientists. He not only supervised numerous MSc and PhD students but also guided medical residents and new faculty members on their professional journeys. He established and led of a substantial clinical trials program, dedicated to the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of cholesterol-lowering drugs. This program found widespread recognition within both the clinical and pharmaceutical communities.

He forged a remarkable bridge between the lipid clinic and its associated specialty laboratory, fostering collaboration between basic and clinical scientists. This synergistic approach facilitated the integration of scientific advances into clinical practice. His commitment to fostering a culture of care and respect within his team was not only appreciated but also emulated by those fortunate enough to be mentored by him. This has resulted in the emergence of a new generation of provincial, national, and international opinion leaders with a specific focus on heart disease prevention. His guidance and leadership have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in advancing the fields of medicine and scientific research, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Frohlich was dedicated to his family and always home in time to eat dinner with his wife and kids.  He was an extremely devoted husband to Milana, a wonderful father to his children, Teresa (Reid) and Tom, a beloved father-in-law to Mike (Teresa) and Erin (Tom), and a cherished grandfather to Adam, Maggie, Robertson, Edith and Haley.  He loved spending time with his friends, playing chess, reading, cross country skiing, telling truly terrible jokes, and going for a bike rides.  Despite his varied professional and personal interests, no one ever doubted that his deepest passions were for his family, and coffee and ice cream.

Jiri leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and a commitment to advancing human health through scientific research.  He improved the lives of countless British Columbians both through his work in his medical practice and through his kind friendships.  He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday 22nd October at 2:00pm at the UBC Robert H. Lee Alumni Center in the Jack Poole Hall, University of British Columbia.  All are welcome.