Tarik Ibrahim Graduate Education and Research (TIGER) Fund


Loyola Medicine and the Department of Neurological Surgery have created the Tarik Ibrahim Graduate Education and Research (TIGER) Fund to promote neurosurgery resident’s research and education, and to acknowledge Tarik’s dedication to both his patients and the residency program. Tarik's impressive accomplishments and his immense dedication will have a long-lasting influence on the Loyola University Medical Center. The hospital proudly displays Tarik's portrait and biographical plaque in the area connecting the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit to the Operating Rooms, known as Tarik's Path, as well as in the Neurosurgical Conference Room. Tarik will be an inspiration to patients, staff and future residents alike for years to come. The balance of Tarik’s image in both the educational and clinical setting is ideal given his passions.

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Tarik’s presence will inspire all patients, staff and future residents alike for years to come.

 

 

About Tarik F. Ibrahim, MS, MD

Tarik Ibrahim, MD, MSTarik F. Ibrahim, M.S., M.D., a native of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, was born on September 2, 1981. Tarik completed his Bachelor of Science at Michigan State University in 2004, his Master of Science at Wayne State University in 2006, his Medical Degree at Penn State University in 2010, and began a 7-year Neurosurgical Residency at Loyola University Medical Center. He completed a six-month fellowship training with world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Juha Hernesniemi in Helsinki, Finland. Tarik was accepted to the prestigious skull base and cranial nerve surgery fellowship at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Tarik as Neurosurgeon

During his professional training, Tarik became increasingly interested in skull base and cranial nerve surgery, a complex, physically and emotionally demanding sub-specialty. Tarik “was meticulous in the clinic and hospital, but never seemed over-burdened by the details of our work…He performed a beautiful craniotomy and placed his first aneurysm clip [a straight 14mm Sugita titanium non-ferromagnetic bayoneted clip] successfully, steadily, expertly, and perfectly” (Douglas E. Anderson, M.D., Professor and Department Chairman, Neurological Surgery). Several of his colleagues enthusiastically mentioned, “That aneurysm never stood a chance.”

Tarik Ibrahim at a computer

Tarik discovered a treatable cause to what was thought to be permanent blindness following spinal surgery; a breakthrough in medical practice that solidifies his legacy in the field of Neurosurgery forever.

Tarik Ibrahim in an operating room

Tarik is a highly published author of 26 journal articles and book chapters in the US and abroad, with first authorship on several. He presented at multiple national and international conferences, including 8 oral, video and poster presentations. Thus, Tarik’s academic achievements, including his 35 publications and presentations, have contributed to the neurosurgical and neuroscientific disciplines. He was passionate about educating himself and those around him.

Tarik Ibrahim publication

Kudos for Tarik

Tarik Ibrahim at graduation

As Russ P. Nockles, M.D., Professor and Vice Chairman of Neurological Surgery stated,

"Without question, this man would have been permanently blind if not for Tarik’s strong dedication toward going far beyond what was normally necessary to help patients. His actions flew in the face of global medical knowledge. In fact, one may wonder how many patients may have suffered permanent blindness because no one was as clever and persistent as Tarik to find a treatable cause under similar circumstances. That will no longer be the case. This patient’s story is being reported worldwide in a publication authored by Tarik.

It will surely stand as a literally sight-saving scholarly work that will help many patients in the future. As importantly, it will always stand as a testament to Tarik’s astonishing passion for helping patients even when all else had presumably failed. His work on this single patient will justifiably solidify his legacy in the field of Neurosurgery forever."


“Tarik received more compliments from patients than most. They experienced his kindness and concern, recognized that his utmost concern would be their well-being.”

- Professor and Department Chairman of Neurological Surgery at the Loyola University Medical Center, Douglas E. Anderson MD


“At the Hines VA Hospital across the street, a veteran with crippling back pain was hobbling towards the elevator. Dozens of people with busy schedules were there in the lobby just waiting. Tarik left to get a wheelchair, assisted the elderly patient into it, wheeled him into the elevator, and took him to clinic. I am sure that genuine, kind act left a long-lasting, positive imprint on that veteran patient. The impact that event had on me remains alive today. For you see, I was also in that lobby, consumed with my busy schedule, not paying attention to the needs of others at all times. That was my first day with Tarik three years ago and that is my enduring image of him.”

- Associate Professor and Residency Program Director of Neurological Surgery at the Loyola University Medical Center, Anand V. Germanwala, MD


Tarik was known throughout his career as “Dr. LOVE” to patients and colleagues because of his warm smile, caring heart, and affectionate demeanor. Anand Germanwala M.D, Associate Professor and Residency Program Director at Loyola University Medical Center, emphasized, “His peers looked up to him as an incredible resident, teacher and advocate. However, he was not only defined through his budding career in neurosurgery, but was also recognized for his compassion, loyalty, ambition, and character. He is very bright and motivated, and has a refreshing sense of humor. His smile is contagious and he made everyone around him better. Tarik is an avid Michigan State Spartans and Detroit city sports fan (particularly the Tigers), and his family and friends are most important to him.” An avid skier, world traveler, black belt in Taekwondo, sailor, and lover of literature and music, Tarik is a loving son, cousin, nephew, uncle, godfather and friend, and his energy and love of life is infectious.

Letter to Tarik Ibrahim from a patient's child

Remembrances for Tarik

Tarik Ibrahim's work ID

The Loyola Medical Center presented Tarik’s parents with Tarik’s Certificate of Neurological Surgery, as he had acquired all the technical skills, character, drive, and judgment to be an independently practicing neurosurgeon a full year ahead of schedule.

Tarik’s high school alma mater, University Liggett School, named the Upper School Commons Area in his honor. Tarik’s portrait and biographical plaque hang prominently at the entrance of the Tarik F. Ibrahim, M.S., M.D. Tarik’s Commons Area. This will inspire current students and generations of future students who will see his name and be reminded of his many accomplishments.

Tarik’s medical school, the Penn State College of Medicine, with the assistance of Robert E. Harbaugh M.D., Distinguished Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, established the Tarik F. Ibrahim, M.S.,M.D., ’10 Award in Neurosurgery that recognizes an outstanding fourth-year medical student intending to pursue a career in neurosurgery.

The Health and Medicine Policy Research Group created The Tarik F. Ibrahim M.S., M.D. Fund to honor Tarik’s calling of ensuring the health and well-being of underserved populations. This fund supports a Schweitzer Fellow proposing to work with this population.

Tarik was known throughout his career as “Dr. LOVE” to patients and colleagues because of his warm smile, caring heart, and affectionate demeanor. Anand Germanwala M.D, Associate Professor and Residency Program Director at Loyola University Medical Center, emphasized, “His peers looked up to him as an incredible resident, teacher and advocate. However, he was not only defined through his budding career in neurosurgery, but was also recognized for his compassion, loyalty, ambition, and character."