Surendra Sharma, MD, PhD is Professor of Pediatrics and Co-Director of the Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) for Perinatal Biology at Women and Infants Hospital and Brown University Medical School. He obtained his medical and PhD degrees from India.

The research focus in Dr. Sharma’s laboratory is to identify functional biomarkers and to establish in vitro and in vivo models for adverse pregnancy outcomes and their application to intergenerational impacts. He has been the recipient of numerous grants from National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the Rhode Island Science and Technology Council. He has served as a member of NIH and ADA review panels. Dr. Sharma has been a mentor to numerous Clinical fellows, PhD students, Post-doctoral fellows, and visiting investigators.

He recently completed his tenure as President of the American Society for Reproductive Immunology (2010-2012). Dr. Sharma was the recipient of the 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard Award for outstanding research in Reproductive Immunology. 

Dr Sharma was awarded Honorary MD from Linkoping University Hospital, Linkoping, Sweden. He has been an organizer of and speaker in numerous National and International conferences on Reproductive Health.

To be exact, he was an invited speaker and session chair in 11 International conferences in 2012. He has already given talks in three International meetings in 2013. His lab has extensively

published on the role of inflammation in fetal loss, preterm birth, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. He has collaborated with clinicians and basic scientists to move forward the cutting edge concepts concerning adverse pregnancy outcomes and women’s health. He serves

on multiple hospital and University committees.

Dr. Sharma also served two terms (4 years) as President of the India Association of Rhode Island. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Association.

My main interest was in utero development and its affect on newborns and adults. Pediatrics provides that window of looking at pregnancy development and care of newborns.

 

 

During my medical education, I was crazy enough to develop academic interests, which led me to pursue investigative medicine. In simple language, I was inclined towards research.

 

Biology of pregnancy complications: Spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes

 

Genetic and epigenetic changes are associated with at least 40% of the syndromes or diseases. This also applies to adverse pregnancy outcomes. We have been able to establish in vitro and in vivo models for the pregnancy complications as well as serum-based predictive assays.

 

As mentioned above, predictive assays and animal models for enigmatic diseases of pregnancy are widely appreciated. We have identified immune factors and environmental exposures that lead to inflammation and cause fetal loss or late pregnancy maladies.

 

There has to be a balanced amalgamation of clinical and translational medicine. I have many colleagues who are MDs but doing great science. However, organized research training gives you that inquiring impetus and experience required for a successful academic career.  

 

I come from a farming family in a village located near Aligarh in UP. I was educated in Aligarh and Delhi and came to the US in 1976.

 

Could you tell us a little about your family here in the US? 

I am married to Prabha Sharma and have two children: Pragati Sharma (daughter who is an attorney) and Nishant Sharma (son who is finishing his University education).

 

You have served as the President of India Association of Rhode Island. What were your major accomplishments in that role ? 

Oh, it was a fascinating experience. I have always complained that when we introduce ourselves, we never identify ourselves as Indians, rather call ourselves as Gujratis, Punjabis, Bangalis, etc. We have a gene over-expressed for divisiveness. I tried my best to instill the word “Indian” in our lexicon. As I have heard from others, our tenure as IARI office bearers was considered to be the best. We brought in quantitative and qualitative improvements in our functions and deliberately focused on the Independence Day and Diwali function. While maintaining our cultural excellence, we also indulged in educating Rhode Island Congressional delegation (Senators and Congressmen) about India. As a matter of fact, our interactions with them to make up their minds to vote for nuclear deal for India. In the beginning, they were not so keen on doing so. We arranged Health Fairs and Walk-a-thons for the community. I served two terms as President and it was indeed a rewarding experience.

 

 I was an avid tennis player, but not anymore because of injuries. I enjoy playing the card game Bridge. I travel a lot and enjoy exotic locales.

 

 I love historical and political aspects of life. I recently read The Last Mughal, State of Denial, World is Flat, Blue God and few others.

I love the music 50s, 60s and 70s, particularly the melodious songs. I love Ghazals. My favorite singers are Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar. Of course, there are many others who are worth listening to.

 

Try to represent India to best of your ability. This is the land of opportunities. Work hard and go for the moon. While maintaining your heritage and cultural values, never shy away from adapting to local approaches to daily life.