The Madison, Wisconsin, and medical and bleeding disorders communities are mourning the death of Dr. Lynn Malec, MD, MSc, a dedicated physician, researcher, and advocate.
Dr. Malec, a Madison, Wisconsin native, passed away earlier this week, however details surrounding her untimely death have not been disclosed yet.
Lynn was a cherished member of the Wisconsin medical community and touched the lives of many with her role as a doctor and researcher.
Dr. Malec earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and completed her residency, chief residency, and hematology/oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
During her time there, she also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research.
In 2016, she joined Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Wisconsin, where she served as Senior Medical Director of the Versiti Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders (CCBD), Associate Investigator at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics.
Throughout her career, Dr. Malec focused on improving the lives of children and adults with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other bleeding disorders.
Her clinical research advanced the understanding of inhibitor development and eradication in patients with hemophilia and informed strategies for factor replacement therapy.
She received the 2016 HTRS/ATHN DREAM Award and was recognized for her work evaluating emerging therapies that transformed care for patients with severe hemophilia A.
Dr. Malec was also a central figure in the National Research Blueprint for Inherited Bleeding Disorders, an initiative by the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF).
This project brought together researchers, patient advocates, allied health professionals, and industry partners to develop a national plan to advance research and care in the bleeding disorders field.
Her work helped define the studies every hemophilia treatment center should be able to perform and explored innovative ways to share tools and personnel between centers.
Her professional achievements were matched by her leadership and vision.
On LinkedIn, Dr. Malec shared milestones such as leading the remodel of the Versiti Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders to expand access to multidisciplinary care, launching the gene therapy program for hemophilia B at Children’s Wisconsin, and mentoring both patients and healthcare providers.
She often highlighted the personal impact of her research, including stories of patients like Zach Fechter, whose life with severe hemophilia A improved thanks to advances she helped implement.
Philip M. Gattone, M.Ed., president and CEO of NBDF, said:
“We have lost both a brilliant mind and a caring spirit with Dr. Malec’s death. Her contributions to hematology, her patients, and the National Research Blueprint will leave a lasting legacy, and her dedication inspired countless healthcare providers to follow in her footsteps.”
Dr. Malec’s death has left a profound void in her family and the broader medical community.
She is survived by her husband Dave, her daughters Estelle and Genevieve, and her parents, JoAnn and Michael Malec, and the entire family.
Furthermore, the community has rallied to support her family during this difficult time. A fund has been established at SupportNow.org to support the family during this challenging time, as the community continues to honor her life and work.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements remain pending.
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