In Memoriam: Sherrill J. Slichter, MD

Sherrill Slichter, MD, a world-renowned hematologist whose groundbreaking research transformed the field of transfusion medicine, died Aug. 13. She was 88.

Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Slichter’s contributions revolutionized platelet transfusion therapy and reshaped clinical practice worldwide. Her work at the University of Washington and Bloodworks Northwest (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center) led to major advances in platelet biology, including methods to extend platelet shelf life, prevent alloimmune platelet refractoriness and determine the minimum platelet dose required to maintain hemostasis.

Slichter was a prolific researcher and mentor, leading landmark studies such as the TRAP (Trial to Reduce Alloimmunization to Platelets) and PLADO (Optimal Platelet Dose Strategy) trials. Her work laid the foundation for modern platelet transfusion protocols and improved outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and cardiac surgery.

She held numerous leadership roles at Bloodworks Northwest, including medical director, director of research and executive vice president of research. Her laboratory was instrumental in developing techniques to prolong platelet viability, reduce donor dependency and enhance transfusion safety. 

Slichter’s legacy is reflected in the many awards she received, including three of AABB’s most prestigious awards: the Karl Landsteiner Memorial Award in 1998, the Emily Cooley Memorial Award in 1990 and the Tibor Greenwalt Memorial Award in 2018. In addition, Slichter also received the International Society of Blood Transfusion’s Presidential Award, the British Blood Transfusion Society’s James Blundell Award and the American Society of Hematology’s Henry M. Stratton Medal. She was also elected a fellow of the American College of Physicians.

In 2017, she published her autobiography, Path of Persistence: Gender Trailblazer and Platelet Pioneer, chronicling her journey as a woman in medicine and her relentless pursuit of scientific excellence. Slichter is remembered not only for her scientific brilliance but also for her mentorship, integrity and unwavering dedication to patient care. Her work continues to save lives and inspire generations of physicians and researchers.