With deep regret, we announce the passing of Dr. Lynn Malec, MD, MSc, a distinguished clinician, researcher, educator, and unwavering advocate whose unexpected death has left the hematology and bleeding disorders community in profound grief.
Dr. Malec passed peacefully after a devastating health event, surrounded by the love of family, friends, and colleagues. A long-standing member of the Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders (FWGBD) Learning Action Network, she championed innovation in clinical care and research while always centering the patient experience.
Her dedicated work to improve outcomes for women and girls with bleeding disorders closely aligned with FWGBD’s mission and strengthened collective efforts across the field. At the Medical College of Wisconsin, Versiti Blood Research Institute, and Children’s Wisconsin since 2016, she became an invaluable leader, serving as program director of the Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders (CCBD) and Pharmacy, overseeing strategic direction, pharmacy operations, and translational research expansion.
Dr. Malec’s contributions fundamentally advanced specialized care for individuals with bleeding disorders, particularly through her expertise in hemophilia, inhibitor management, and gene therapy. She played a key role in launching Versiti’s gene therapy program, led initiatives to improve accessible patient care, secured NIH R01 grant funding, and established the Joan Gill Pilot Award to support collaborative hematology research.
Her first-author publication on a novel hemophilia A therapy appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, and her work as a master’s-trained clinician-scientist and clinical trialist helped reshape standards of care. Her coworkers characterized her as an incredible, nearly impossible-to-replace individual who was professional, collaborative, courteous, and devoted to patient advocacy, mentoring, and developing treatments for marginalized communities. Her departure creates an incalculable gap in the medical community of Milwaukee and beyond.
A devoted clinician and mentor, Dr. Malec was passionate about patient-centered care, especially for women and girls historically underserved in bleeding disorder treatment. She advocated tirelessly for equitable access, early recognition, and evidence-based management, drawing from countless stories of patients dismissed or overlooked.
Her leadership at Children’s Wisconsin and Versiti emphasized multidisciplinary approaches, translational research, and education, inspiring fellows, colleagues, and the next generation of hematologists. Dr. Malec’s warmth, professionalism, and unwavering support made her a beloved figure whose kindness and dedication transformed lives and institutions alike.
The Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders (FWGBD) expressed deep sadness at her unexpected passing, noting how her work strengthened their mission and collective impact. Tributes from the Coalition for Hemophilia B and others highlighted her role as a physician, researcher, educator, and friend whose legacy endures in every patient treated, fellow mentored, and life touched by her commitment.
Dr. Malec’s influence extended far beyond Milwaukee, shaping standards in bleeding disorder care nationwide through research, advocacy, and mentorship. Her passing has prompted reflection across the hematology community on the importance of patient advocacy, innovation, and the human side of medicine. The Medical College of Wisconsin, Versiti, and Children’s Wisconsin communities now carry forward her vision, honoring her through ongoing efforts in research, education, and compassionate care.
