"Dr. Malec is the ideal combination of clinical and research excellence; she exemplifies our mission," said Matthew Anderson, MD, executive vice president of Medical Sciences Institute and chief medical officer at Versiti. "She recognizes transformative opportunities early, focuses on patients as whole people, and delivers world-class care."

Research Excellence Meets Clinical Innovation

Dr. Malec's research credentials include a first-author publication in the New England Journal of Medicine reporting clinical trial results of a novel hemophilia A therapy. She has also secured National Institutes of Health R01 grant funding and established the Joan Gill Pilot Award to support collaborative research in hematology.

This combination of research excellence and clinical leadership positions the CCBD at the forefront of translational medicine, a place where laboratory discoveries can change patients’ lives.

Expanding Access to Breakthrough Therapies

"Gene therapy is one of the most exciting advances in bleeding disorder care," Dr. Malec said. "But administering these therapies requires clinical expertise, thoughtful patient education, and coordinated long-term care. I'm honored to lead our team as we continue expanding access to transformative treatments while maintaining the whole-person, family-centered care that defines Versiti’s mission."

In her new role, Dr. Malec will oversee the strategic direction of the CCBD and Pharmacy programs. She will provide oversight of Versiti’s pharmacy operations and expand translational research efforts.

Real Impact for Patients and Families

The gene therapy program Dr. Malec developed required years of strategic planning. The team constructed specialized clean rooms and developed rigorous protocols for patient evaluation, treatment administration, and long-term monitoring.

For patients like Cody Gunst, this preparation has meant a life transformation.

"From 2014 to 2019, I endured four ankle surgeries because of advanced arthritis from hemophilia B," Gunst said. "This treatment changed everything. Within 60 days, my factor IX levels increased from less than 1 percent to more than 14 percent. I don't have to worry about bleeding anymore. The constant stress is gone."

Versiti’s CCBD is located within the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and is southeastern Wisconsin's only federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Center. In partnership with Children’s Wisconsin, the CCBD provides comprehensive care for patients with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, rare coagulation disorders, platelet function disorders, and other disorders of bleeding and thrombosis. Our board-certified hematologists lead multidisciplinary teams dedicated exclusively to the treatment of bleeding and clotting disorders.

Dr. Malec's promotion reflects our institutional commitment to bleeding disorder care as a strategic priority. Under her leadership, we will continue advancing hope for individuals and families affected by bleeding and clotting disorders.

Learn more about Versiti’s Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders.