University of Calgary medical school mourns loss of student to cancer

Iqra Rahamatullah, a medical student at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine, will receive a posthumous medical degree after she died from an aggressive form of cancer on Feb. 5, 2026. (Supplied/University of Calgary)

The University of Calgary’s medical school is mourning the loss of one of its students.

A memorial page shared by the university says Iqra Rahamatullah, a three-time survivor of pediatric cancer, 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.”

Rahamatullah died on Feb. 5. She was 29.

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Rahamatullah completed her degree in kinesiology and exercise science at the University of Calgary, despite experiencing a cancer relapse during her studies.

“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,” the memorial read.

Rahamatullah was first diagnosed with cancer in high school and spoke publicly about her illness several times.

In 2023, she was a guest speaker at U of C’s medical school where she answered questions about pediatric and young-adult cancers.

“To her friends, Iqra is remembered as a ray of sunshine who brought light and warmth to every room she entered,” the memorial said.

“She navigated medical school despite cancer treatments, refusing to let the illness set limits on her life.”

A memorial shared by the university says Rahamatullah will be awarded her medical degree posthumously. A memorial scholarship has also been established in her honour and is currently fundraising.