William Schlaff

Bill Schlaff was born on December 30, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. He died on January 19, 2024, after a yearlong bout with an inoperable cancer. He was a graduate of Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan and a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Johns Hopkins University.

Known as a dedicated clinician, gifted teacher, practical problem-solver, and creative leader, he entered the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in its early stages of development and helped many couples and individuals achieve their goal to create families. A mentor to many future leaders in his chosen specialty, Bill helped steer the field through his research and participation in several national and international societies. Bill was an innovator and ethical professional. When asked for advice by his students, his answers reflected his motto: “always do the right thing, even if it doesn’t make you popular.” He retired as the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Thomas Jefferson University in September 2022.

A devoted husband, father, and brother, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially in Colorado where he lived for over 20 years. He was an avid sports fan and adopted the teams in the places he lived. He loved his family whether near or far, and they adored him. He had a unique sense of humor that was obvious to all who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lorraine Dugoff, their children Daniel, Maura, and Julia, his sister, Barbara Schlaff, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 12:15 PM on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Adath Israel, 250 N. Highland Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066. Graveside services to follow at Haym Solomon Memorial Park, 200 Moores Rd., Frazer, PA 19255. Shiva at the family home, 1350 Wooded Way, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Sunday, and Monday, 6:30-8:30 PM.

The William D. Schlaff, MD, Mentorship and Career Development Symposium Fund has been established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine to endow an annual symposium to be given at the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo. Donations may be made in memory of Dr. Schlaff by sending a check to ASRM, Attn:  Schlaff Fund, 1209 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35216 or at this link.