Douglas Cines

Surrounded by his family, Dr. Douglas Brock Cines, age 78, died peacefully on December 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Those who knew Doug will remember a man of profound intelligence, deep loyalty, uncompromising standards, and a fierce love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of scientific impact, intellectual curiosity, and humor that shaped every life he touched.

A brilliant physician-scientist, Doug’s prolific career is marked by innovative research discoveries, compassionate patient care, and generous teaching and mentorship. Doug became a central figure in the field of immune thrombocytopenic disorders and his more than 40 years of research findings have been instrumental in advancing the understanding and treatment of platelet and special coagulation disorders. He served as a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Vice Chair of the Division of Laboratory Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also directed what is now the Douglas Cines, MD, Special Coagulation Laboratory. Over the course of his career, Doug published more than 340 peer-reviewed scientific articles in esteemed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Blood, and the Journal of Clinical Investigation. He also humbly received international recognition through numerous career awards, including the BACH Award from the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis in 2017 and the Henry M. Stratton Medal for Basic Science from the American Society of Hematology in 2024.

Outside the lab, Doug’s professional accomplishments were matched by his quick wit, sharp intellect, and unmistakable sense of humor. He adored his children, Pamela, Valerie, Sarah, and Courtney, to whom he was an endless source of clever remarks, intentional awkwardness, and unwavering guidance and support. He cherished his wife, Adele. Their love began strong and only grew more dear through their 40 years together.

His curiosity was boundless. He was a devoted reader of history, medicine, and any analysis and commentary covered in the New York Review of Books. He was a lifelong classical guitar player, a dedicated swimmer and biker, and a passionate fan of all Philadelphia sports, whose triumphs and failures he followed with fierce enthusiasm. Doug was an earnest and steadfast friend and confidant, creating longlasting, meaningful connections with those who valued his unassuming yet extraordinary depth.

Doug left us with great memories, deep reflections, and an abundance of laughter. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and trainees he inspired. Somewhere, in joyous peace, he joins family: his father Sanford Cines, his mother Myrna Sobel, and his uncle Stuart Sobel. The rest of us remain to miss him: his wife Adele Cox-Cines; daughters Pamela Fishman (Ben), Valerie Hansel (John), Sarah Coren (Andrew), and Courtney Kelly (Brian). He was the proud grandfather of Parker Hansel, Nolan Hansel, Eden Fishman, Alanna Fishman, Olivia Fishman, Miles Coren, Jade Coren, and Logan Kelly, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

The family will be hosting a private memorial service and appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Instead of flowers, contributions in Doug’s memory can be made to:

Douglas Cines, MD, Special Coagulation Laboratory Gift Fund at Penn. 

One of Doug’s incredible medical team members, Dr. Stephen Hunt, conducts research in interventional oncology research Penn Image-Guided Interventions Lab Fund (PIGI Lab).

Doug was a Masterpiece Theater fan. You may also consider donating to support public media at the PBS Foundation.