The Department of Medicine expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who perished in the Ukrainian Airline tragedy on January 8, 2020. We also extend our condolences to the Iranian Canadian community for this senseless loss.
Statement from UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa J. Ono:
It is with great sadness that I can now report the death of alumna Niloofar Razzaghi who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Math in May, 2010 and a Bachelor of Education in November, 2018.
Dr. Mehran Abtahi also died. He joined UBC in October of last year as a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of civil engineering.
Their deaths are in addition to those confirmed yesterday of Zeynab Asadi Lari and Mohammadhossein Asadi Lari. Zeynab enrolled at UBC in 2016 in the BSc program, with a biology major. Mohammadhossein graduated in 2018 with a BSc in cellular, anatomical and physiological sciences with honours standing.
As we collectively mourn the loss of all of those who perished aboard flight 752, I wish to once again, on behalf of the university, express my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of our community members.
Support services are in place for those who need help during this very difficult time, including International Student Advisors who work closely with our international students.
Details of supports available for students on campus can be found here and here.
Details of supports for faculty and staff on campus can be found here.
In addition, for medical students, the Physician Health Program (PHP) provides confidential, discreet help for BC medical students licensed in BC. PHP offers support, referrals and counselling for a wide range of problems including physician and mental health issues, substance use disorders, career and life transitions, relationship stress, financial issues, professional support and referrals, and concern for colleagues. You can call the Physician Health Program 24-hour helpline at 1-800-663-6729.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor
The Office of the President
The University of British Columbia