Meet Dr. Frogge
Dr. Frogge (pronounced like our favorite amphibian — “frog”) is an interventional and structural cardiologist. He diagnoses and treats all forms of heart disease, but has specialized advanced training in coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and adult congenital heart disease.
Personal Background
Dr. Frogge was born and raised in Kankakee County and graduated from Bishop McNamara Catholic High School. His parents — Jim and Maggie Frogge — modeled active engagement with and stewardship of their community throughout his childhood. Maggie was an administrator and nurse at Riverside Medical Center, and Jim was a physics and chemistry teacher who also coached multiple sports at Bishop McNamara High School.
Dr. Frogge lives outside of Aroma Park with his wife and 3 children. Outside of the hospital, he spends his time with family and enjoys fishing near home.
Education and Training
Dr. Frogge completed his training in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional & structural cardiology at elite programs including Rush Medical College, University of Chicago, and Washington University in St. Louis. He has authored dozens of book chapters and scientific articles in peer-reviewed cardiology journals.
Why Choose Dr. Frogge?
In addition to his extensive training, Dr. Frogge takes a strong patient-centered approach to the care he provides.
Patience
Dr. Frogge approaches each patient visit with this core mission — to listen and understand. He takes the time to not only hear your concerns, but also your goals and values.
“I use a patient-centered approach involving shared decision-making. Each patient has a different point of view, life experience, and personal values; these are key areas to understand before coming up with any plans for testing or treatment.”
Use of Laymen's Terms
Dr. Frogge ensures that each patient has a firm understanding of their diagnoses, testing plans, and treatment options.
As he explains it, “the term ‘doctor’ comes from the latin ‘docere’ meaning ‘teacher’. It is part of my job to make sure they know what is happening with their medical care. I explain it in laymen’s terms to them, as well as their family.”
Holistic Approach
Patients coming to see Dr. Frogge can expect to receive comprehensive care that takes into account more than just their heart.
As he notes, “I don’t just treat heart disease. Many times, my patients with heart disease have more than one medical problem. They may have lung disease or kidney disease, which impacts your treatment plan and requires seamless coordination with other providers.
“Likewise, patients may have other non-clinical barriers to overcome that are equally important. Issues like mobility, transportation, or social support — these are important to consider and address to create a comprehensive care plan.”
Conservative Interventionist
Despite specializing in interventional cardiology, Dr. Frogge is devoted to heart disease prevention and maximizing non-invasive treatment options. He takes a conservative approach to cardiovascular care.
“My goal is to help folks live longer and improve their quality of life. If that involves a procedure, I’m happy to do it. But quite often, ‘less is more’, and medicines or just lifestyle changes are all that is needed.
“I try to do as much as I can for my patients with as few medicines and as minimally invasive as possible.”
“Veterans are a unique and special group of people — I look forward to any opportunities to care for them.”
VA Associations
Dr. Frogge’s training in cardiology fellowship was with a consortium of Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and John Cochrane VA Hospital.
He had the opportunity to take care of veterans and found it tremendously rewarding to be able to give back to those who had given so much.