For the Family of Ifeanyi C Onyeji

Dr. Ifeanyi C Onyeji was born in Lagos, Nigeria and immigrated to Greensboro, North Carolina at the age of 11. From an early age, he exemplified excellence in every aspect of his life. Unfortunately, Dr. Onyeji passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at 31 on May 8, 2022.

 

Academic Legacy

 

Dr. Onyeji attended Stanford University, graduating with the Deans Award for Academic Excellence and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. He was also a recipient of the Edmonds Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Human Biology and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Dr. Onyeji then matriculated to the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he developed a special interest in Urology. Dr. Onyeji dedicated an additional year of his training to research and became well published in the field of andrology. His academic achievements were matched with his commitment to service. During this time, he co-directed the Young Doctor’s Initiative, which taught science classes to under-resourced children in NYC. This earned Dr. Onyeji the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Pipeline Mentoring Institute Grant. He graduated from medical school with the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the College of Physicians & Surgeons. Dr. Onyeji was passionate about travel and extended his outreach abroad, spending time in Spain and Nicaragua. His acumen in Spanish only enhanced his ability to provide superior patient care. In 2017, he matched into the urologic surgery residency training program at the University of California, Davis. He was slated to graduate residency in June 2023. His commitment to mentorship and leadership is being honored by Urology Unbound.

 

Personal Legacy

 

His academic accomplishments were only surpassed by the very personal way he touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. Ifeanyi challenged us to be better people just by being himself. He was a selfless friend who was meticulous with his words and actions. Ifeanyi flooded the room with joy, love and light. He was uncompromising with his relationships and very intentional about demonstrating his love and kindness. Ifeanyi leaves behind a gaping hole in the hearts of those who loved him that will never be filled.

 

Dr. Onyeji is survived by his mother, step-father, two brothers and two sisters. His accomplishments are not only an extension of who he is inherently but a product of the family and community who created a foundation that allowed him to flourish. In this time of incomprehensible grief, we would like to extend support to the Onyeji family to assist in the new financial challenges they now face.