Meet Dr. Syra Madad: Interview by Robin Gorman Newman

I’m Dr. Syra Madad (credentials: DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP), a first-generation Pakistani American and an infectious disease epidemiologist on Long Island, NY specializing in biopreparedness and response at the intersection of public health and healthcare delivery.

As a 38 year old mom of three (Ammar, Hasan, and Laila) with my fourth baby girl on the way, I’ve learned to navigate the ever-evolving demands of parenthood and career, all while working to protect communities from health threats.

I recently launched Critical Health Voices (CHV)—a platform dedicated to amplifying frontline public health and healthcare professionals. In an era where misinformation spreads six times faster than facts, trusted, science-driven voices are more crucial than ever. CHV cuts through the noise, delivering evidence-based insights on urgent health issues and ensuring frontline experts are heard loud and clear. Subscribe now here

Beyond my work in public health and healthcare, I’m committed to empowering women. I lead the Women in STEM series at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center, mentoring the next generation of female scientists and leaders. I also serve as board lead for the American Pakistan Foundation’s Rising Stars Program, celebrating trailblazing Pakistani American women who are breaking barriers and uplifting communities.

As a soon-to-be mom of two girls, I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of female leaders—because when women lead, everyone thrives.

What was your road to parenthood like?  Motherhood was never something I viewed as separate from my ambitions, it was an integral part of my journey. I had my first son, Ammar, at 26, balancing mid-career aspirations with the new and profound responsibility of raising a child. After delivering Ammar in 2013, I was part of the “Ebola Surge Team” within the biothreat team in Texas, supporting the Ebola response when the first U.S.-diagnosed case of this lethal pathogen emerged. By 2015, I was pregnant again with Hasan and was benched from working inside high-containment areas (BSL-3 labs). As someone who runs toward the fire, it was disappointing but necessary. I had to remind myself that if I wanted more children while working in this field, I had to be okay with stepping back when needed. With each baby, I grew in ways I never imagined, learning patience, adaptability, and the art of juggling work and family. Parenthood has been a road of immense love, self-discovery, and constant evolution.

What have you learned about yourself since becoming a mom?  That I am stronger than I ever thought possible. That love isn’t finite, it multiplies. That I am more patient, more resilient, and more capable than I give myself credit for. Motherhood has refined my leadership skills, sharpened my priorities, and deepened my empathy. It has also shown me the importance of my support system, which is my husband. 

Since you have had children at varying ages, has the experience of motherhood felt different to you with each child? Absolutely. With Ammar, I was young and learning everything from scratch, navigating the unknown with all the first-time mom anxieties. By the time Hasan was born, I felt more confident, though balancing two children was a new challenge. When Laila arrived, I had more experience, but she introduced me to the world of raising a daughter, which felt completely different. Now, expecting my fourth at 38, I have a deeper appreciation for motherhood and a greater sense of confidence, but I also recognize the importance of prioritizing my health and well-being. Each child brings a new layer of joy, love, and learning.

Do you think it is challenging to balance parenting, a personal life, and professional pursuits? Any tips to offer?  Balancing parenting, personal life, and a career—is it possible? Absolutely. Is it challenging? Without a doubt. But it’s also incredibly fulfilling when approached with intentionality.

My biggest advice? Be fully present in whatever role you’re in at the moment. I’m grateful for my husband’s support, he holds down the fort while I navigate the many facets of my career, whether it’s advising the WHO in Geneva, speaking with elected officials in DC on health threats, or covering urgent public health issues back home in NY.

We’ve also navigated caregiving alongside parenting and careers. After moving back to NY from Texas when Hasan was born in 2015, we cared for my husband’s father (ALS) and mother (dementia) in our shared home for 10 years. My father-in-law passed in 2020 and my mother-in-law in 2024, marking the end of an incredibly difficult yet profoundly meaningful chapter of our lives. Balancing caregiving, parenting, and professional pursuits was tough, but it shaped who we are today.

A favorite memory: In February 2020, when my Netflix docuseries “Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak” was released, I brought Ammar with me to ABC Studios for a news segment. Seeing his mom on TV fascinated him, a beautiful reminder that the work I do not only protects communities but also inspires my children in ways I never expected.

Tip for moms: Bring your kids along when possible! Let them see you in action, whether it’s at work, speaking engagements, or moments of impact. They’re watching, learning, and feeling empowered in ways you may not realize.

What do you see as the positives and challenges of becoming a mom at age 35 or over?

Positives:

• I have a clearer sense of my values and how I want to raise my children.
• I appreciate the little moments more, knowing how quickly time flies.

Challenges:

• The physical toll of pregnancy is different in my late 30s compared to my 20s.
• Balancing career growth with young children requires even more intentionality.
• Prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable for sustaining energy and well-being.

But ultimately, age is just a number—what matters is the love, wisdom, and presence you bring to motherhood.

How do you practice self-care and role model for your family?

Self-care isn’t indulgence—it’s a necessity. I make time for:

• Cooking – My family knows the kitchen is my happy place! Cooking is my “me time” (And fun fact: I’m headed to see the Food Network’s test kitchen soon!)
• Reading – Currently diving into Mehdi Hasan’s Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking
• Mani-pedis with Laila – Our special mom-daughter time

Laila watches me do my makeup, and I use that moment to teach her that self-care is about feeling good in your own skin. My boys see me prioritizing my health (and sometimes join me in our home gym!). More importantly, I want my children to grow up seeing a mother who values herself, so they learn to value themselves, too.

What words of wisdom would you like to share for someone contemplating parenthood over age 35? Motherhood at any age is a journey of love, sacrifice, and growth. If you’re considering it, trust that you are capable, worthy, and enough. You will find your rhythm, your village, and your strength. And you will experience a kind of love that will forever change you.

Motherhood isn’t about age, it’s about heart.