Walter W. Frueh, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with EmergeOrtho since completing fellowship in 2005 and active member of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Brunswick Surgery Center medical staffs, passed away suddenly on November 3, 2021.  Our community has suffered a tremendous loss with the death of Dr. Frueh who was well known for his magnetic personality and was a friend to so many.

Dr. Frueh was relentless in the pursuit of perfection in the surgical arena to achieve the best outcomes for his patients and their families. Everyone was drawn to Dr. Frueh because of his passion, personality and a smile that lit up the room. He has always been admired by colleagues for his deep commitment to provide the very best care to his patients.

He will be sadly missed by the love of his life, his wife Megan, and his five children Molly, Sofia, Liam, Miles, and Ella Mai. He placed great value in spending time with his immediate family as well as his extended family. He was a passionate spear fisherman, deep sea fisherman, boater, and music lover.

Dr. Frueh was a graduate of Colgate University and Thomas Jefferson Medical School, Philadelphia, PA. He did his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and completed his fellowship in adult hip and knee joint reconstruction at The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia.  Dr. Frueh routinely lectured and has educated hundreds of surgeons on minimally invasive hip replacement.

He was an outstanding and compassionate surgeon beloved by all. He was a true friend who filled the lives of those around him with laughter. He will be missed tremendously by all who knew him. The medical community lost a true giant with this gentle soul’s departure.