Candidate Profile 2021: Mariam Mahmud, School Board Director

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Dr. Mariam Mahmud, a Bucks County pediatrician, is a Democrat running for the position of School Board Director in the Central Bucks School District out of Region 5.

Mahmud is a Fellow of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and a pediatrician who has worked in a primary care practice for over a decade. With her career experience and being a mother of four, Dr. Mahmud plans to take these life experiences into this new role.

If elected, this would be Mahmud's first elected or appointed office.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Mahmud's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I live with my husband of 22 years, 4 children ages 18, 15, 9, 4 and our dog.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

BA in Biology and Anthropology from Bryn Mawr College. Doctor of Medicine from Drexel University College of Medicine.

Occupation

Pediatrician in a primary care practice for over 10 years. Now in Integrative Pediatrics.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None.

Campaign website

Https://electdrmariam.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for CBSD school director to bring my experience as a mother and pediatrician to the school board. I will also prioritize mental health supports in our schools.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Mental health in children is now a national emergency as per leading pediatric groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our children need support for anxiety, depression, learning issues, neurodiversity, bullying and to be included and valued regardless of their race, ethnicity or sexual identity. I will make sure we have on-site supports for all children by working with the professionals at school.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a pediatrician and will assure that every child and the school environment is safe in terms of physical, mental and emotional health. Kids learn best when all these needs are met. I will not let partisan agendas affect the health and needs of our school community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1. Stability and Respect which is lacking in dialogue and discussion around school board issues.

2. Academic Excellence by working with experts to keep our schools at the top and prepare students for the future by allowing each student to reach their full-potential.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have served on the board at the ARC Alliance of Montgomery County supporting children with disabilities. I currently serve on the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics School Health Committee. In addition, I am on the Bucks County Mental Health/Developmental Programs Advisory Board. I also earned a grant for my pediatric practice to improve access to mental health supports for children.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Do not get angry.”

Despite the hardships, struggles and challenges we face, I know we can all work together and do great things for our children.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I do not believe that we are all so divided. I believe we all want the best for the children in our community. I know that I have always and will always put the needs of every child as a priority so that they can learn best and achieve their full potential.