Dr. Serena Taj | Physician, Public Health Professional & Clinical Researcher
Dr. Taj is a dedicated physician, public health expert, and clinical researcher with an international experience across South Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Her distinguished medical career commenced with an MBBS. She honed her clinical expertise through rigorous MCPS training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, serving as a critical provider of integrated surgical and medical services for women from impoverished communities within the public sector.
Driven to address health inequities at a systemic level, she pursued a Master of Public Health and a Master of Philosophy in Epidemiological Research. This advanced training equipped her with the tools to identify root causes and effectively communicate these findings to policymakers and organizational leaders. This foundation propelled her into leadership roles at international organizations, where she has championed the cause of underserved populations and authored pivotal reports and articles aimed at driving meaningful change.T
Throughout her career, Dr. Taj has forged meaningful collaborations with leading international organizations, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Her work has encompassed immunization campaigns, strategic health communication, and capacity-building efforts designed to fortify healthcare systems serving marginalized populations. Her efforts are marked by extensive community engagement and close collaboration with healthcare workers, leaders, and allied departments to bolster vaccination coverage and preventive health. As a member of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (UK), she continues to contribute to advancing global health knowledge and practice.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Taj played a pivotal role as a Telehealth Practitioner within the Tele-ICU Pilot Project a landmark initiative by UNDP, UNFPA, and the Government of Pakistan delivering critical care remotely to hospitals in underserved regions and enhancing clinical decision-making where specialist access was scarce. She also spearheaded nationwide PPE training for healthcare professionals, leaders, and allied departments, and held operational leadership at Baluchistan first 24/7 COVID-19 Vaccination Centre in underserved areas.
Beyond her medical and public health pursuits, Dr. Taj is an acclaimed literary artist whose creative journey began in 1995 during her school years with her very first poem, "I Want to Reach the Sky," which was subsequently published in local newspapers. This early expression of aspiration and depth, and its first public recognition, foreshadowed a significant literary path. Her talent was confirmed on an international stage when she received the International Poet of Merit Award from the International Society of Poets, USA, in 2002. The following year, she further solidified her standing by winning a prestigious international poetry contest. Her evocative work was featured in the anthology Letters from the Soul, a powerful testament to her enduring ability to articulate the most profound dimensions of human emotion.
Dr. Serena Taj’s work is grounded in the real-world struggle for equity. She doesn’t just talk about change, she works where it matters: raising health awareness in underserved communities, confronting the structural and economic barriers that perpetuate poor health, and quietly empowering women through practical support.
Her advocacy extends to often-overlooked causes, including the education of children with disabilities, a reflection of her commitment to those left behind. She has built coalitions not only within health sectors, but across government departments like religious affairs, minority rights, emergency services, and social welfare, recognizing that health is woven into the fabric of society.
With experience across multiple health systems, she focuses on actionable, realistic steps toward a more just world, not because it’s idealistic, but because it’s necessary.
