Feb 17, 2026

The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) mourns the passing of Lynn M. Malec, MD, MSc, a physician, researchers, and champion of the bleeding disorders community.

Dr. Malec earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and completed her residency, chief residency, and hemotology/oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research. She joined Froedter & the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Wisconsin in 2016, where she served as Senior Medical Director of the Versiti Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders, Associate Investigator at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics.

Throughout her career, Dr. Malec dedicated herself to improving the lives of both children and adults with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis. Her clinical research advanced the field’s understanding of inhibitor development and eradication in patients with hemophilia, as well as the outcomes of factor replacement strategies. She was the recipient of the 2016 HTRS/ATHN DREAM Award and was a trusted voice in the evaluation of emerging therapies that have transformed care for patients with severe hemophilia A.

Dr. Malec made lasting contributions to one of NBDF’s most ambitious scientific undertakings: the National Research Blueprint for Inherited Bleeding Disorders. This initiative brought together diverse community voices, including research leaders, lived experience experts, allied health professionals, and industry to create an actionable national research plan to accelerate progress and address critical gaps in care. Dr. Malec was a valued member of a working group that focused on the infrastructure, workforce development, and funding and resources needed to facilitate the research priorities of the bleeding disorders community and identified the types of studies all hemophilia treatment centers should be able to perform, and explored innovative ways to share personnel and tools between centers. 

“We have lost both a brilliant mind and a caring spirit with Dr. Malec’s passing,” said Philip M. Gattone, M.Ed., president and CEO of NBDF. “She was passionate about bringing promising healthcare providers into hematology, and her contributions to the National Research Blueprint will leave a lasting legacy on her field. Her talent and success were due to her genuine passion for helping others, and her deep dedication to her patients, colleagues, and community. All of us at NBDF extend our condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.”

Dr. Malec is survived by her husband Dave and two daughters. A fund to support the family during this difficult time can be found at SupportNow.org. 

https://www.bleeding.org/