I am deeply saddened by his death. My condolences go out to his family. I’ll never forget playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Mike Nassif’s house with him. Even while playing a video game, he’d snap at me to pick it up. He never did anything half-harted. He motivated me to believe in ones ability to positively impact others. Ibrahim my friend, I will never forget you.

I was always impressed at how he noticed little things and made the people around him better. He had a great sense of humor and could tell such interesting stories about things he knew well – home, family and his friends.

I will miss him very much.

I can’t tell you how it all went because I try not to remember all the different scenario experiences, but I do know that he was a good student and eager to learn. You have my deepest condolences on your loss and the world lost a good doctor.

He was a good person and will be missed.

I first became familiar with Ibrahim’s intelligence and enthusiasm for learning when I was in his lab group for microbiology in the beginning of our second year of medical school. I remember how at the end of some of our lab sessions, everyone in our group except Ibrahim would start rushing through the last few workbook questions with the anticipation of leaving faster. Ibrahim was always sincerely interested in carefully thinking through each question. His commitment to learning inspired me to be a better medical student.

That fall was the first season that I had the privilege of playing on a soccer team with Ibrahim. I will never forget how enthusiastic he was about soccer and how exciting the championship game was that season. It was so much fun to play with him and witness him share his fervor with the team. His passion reminded me to fully enjoy all of life’s special moments.

Once the third year of medical school started and we were all on different rotations, I saw Ibrahim less often. However, each time that I would see him in the hallways of UIHC or at MERF, I would walk away from our brief conversations thinking “what a truly great person.” He talked passionately about medicine and his future plans, told me enthusiastically about all that was new with him, and asked with sincere interest about what was new with me. His tone of voice and the manner in which he talked always radiated sincere care. His enthusiasm about life and deep care for all people inspired me to be a better person.

I cannot tell you enough how sorry I am for this loss. Ibrahim did indeed leave the world a better place and his impact on us as his classmates will contribute to making us better doctors.

Over the few years that we knew each other, we had a few chances to talk about his plans for the future, his worldview, and his upbringing. He wanted to leave the world a better than he came in, for everyone, no matter your creed, religion or ideology. And while many of his dreams were cut short, I can promise that he did fulfill one — he left the world, and me, better. He left an indelible mark on many of us that we will carry as we each go out into the world. I am so sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing your son, brother and fiance with us.

Matt