NOSM University Alumna Honours Late Son with Gifts of Mounted Swordfish, Student Award

In memory of her son Haseeb Syed Zaib, a NOSM University alumna is investing in future physicians. Haseeb Syed’s Memorial Fund will provide $5,000 annually to a NOSM University student in any year who has financial need. The award is thanks to a donation by Dr. Jehan Zaib (Family Medicine, 2012), who is also an Assistant Professor. 

Along with the fund, Dr. Zaib has donated a mounted swordfish that Haseeb caught shortly before his death in 2022. 

Passionate about his community and about health care, Haseeb was a kind, humble, and intelligent person, and an exceptional student at Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay. He graduated with more than 3,500 volunteer hours, including more than 500 hours at TBRHSC and in long-term care homes. With an enthusiasm for health care both at home and globally, Haseeb was accepted to Doctors Without Borders at age 17 and travelled as a volunteer to Sudan and several other African countries. He also travelled internationally with Dig a Well, a non-profit that helps improve access to clean water. 

The mounted swordfish was donated to commemorate Haseeb’s adventurous spirit. 

“Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent,” said Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. “And yet, in their time of mourning, the Zaib family chose to honour Haseeb through a memorial fund for future learners, and through a cherished memento from a wonderful day in his too-short life. We will think of him often, and aspire to live up to his rich legacy of service to the world.”

Photo caption: The Zaib family and Dr. Sarita Verma stand in front of the mounted swordfish caught by Haseeb Syed Zaib.