Feb. 25, 2026
In Memoriam: Iqra Rahamatullah, Cumming School of Medicine
The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) is saddened to share the loss of medical student Iqra Rahamatullah, BSc’20. Iqra is remembered as a talented learner, researcher and passionate patient advocate who bravely battled Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of bones and soft tissue, for more than 13 years. Iqra died Feb. 5, 2026, at 29 years old.
As a medical student, Iqra was part of the intake of the Class of 2025. Known for her interest in paediatrics, she also pursued training opportunities in oncology as a three-time survivor of paediatric cancer.
Despite a cancer relapse, Iqra completed her degree in kinesiology and exercise science, worked as a research assistant, and often participated as a patient partner in research, using life experiences to guide her work. She believed that her perspective and experiences as a cancer patient uniquely prepared her to serve others as a physician, inspiring her to pursue medicine.
First diagnosed with cancer in high school, Iqra spoke publicly about her journey many times, including as a guest speaker at CSM’s Science in the Cinema in November 2023. The free public event series combines popular film screenings with expert-led panel discussions. She answered audience questions about paediatric and young-adult cancers at a screening co-hosted by the CSM’s Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute.
She was featured in the OWN.CANCER fundraising campaign and in news interviews about the opening of the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. She was a strong advocate for leading with empathy and centering the patient during care.
To her friends, Iqra is remembered as a ray of sunshine who brought light and warmth to every room she entered. She navigated medical school despite cancer treatments, refusing to let the illness set limits on her life. Given the smallest window of free time, she enjoyed exploring the world and embracing new experiences — living with a sense of joy and purpose that inspired those around her. Her lasting impact is measured through kindness, courage and how she inspired others to live bravely and fully.
Iqra will be awarded her medical degree posthumously by the CSM. A memorial scholarship has been established at UCalgary in Iqra’s honour and is currently fundraising. To read more about Iqra’s life and legacy, please visit the scholarship page .
See Iqra’s obituary and tribute wall .