Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Dr. Nosheen Javed

Please meet Dr. Nosheen Javed, a Southcoast Health colleague featured during Asian American Pacific Islander Month, May 1- May 31.

Dr. Nosheen Javed is an esteemed Interventional Cardiologist at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She has been an integral part of Southcoast Health since 2010, contributing her expertise in various capacities. Her extensive qualifications include board certifications in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, and endovascular interventions. 

Born in the city of Peshawar, Pakistan, Dr. Javed grew up speaking Urdu and Pushto, two of the national languages. In her childhood, Dr. Javed’s mother, who was a devoted homemaker, played a crucial role in nurturing her and her five younger sisters. Her father, who traveled for business, had more of a progressive mindset than other Pakistani parents. He encouraged his daughters to make their own choices. He believed in treating his daughters equally, advocating that they should have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Dr. Javed attributes her success and freedom to her parents, saying, “I owe a lot to my dad for allowing me to do what I wanted to do.”
She also attributes her husband and young son for their constant love and support.

In 2003, Dr. Javed embarked on her medical journey, leaving Pakistan to complete her residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiology at Temple University. She also completed a fellowship in interventional cardiology at Drexel University. Her decision to pursue medicine was largely influenced by the long tradition of physicians in her family, including numerous aunts and uncles in the field. Medicine provided her with intellectual stimulation, the ability to think critically, and above all, the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

As a self-described ‘adrenaline junkie’ who loves hiking, biking, skiing, and other sports that allow her the opportunity to live on the edge, she finds a similar sense of exhilaration in her role as an Interventional Cardiologist. Often faced with critically ill patients, she intervenes to improve their conditions. 

As Dr. Javed reflects on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, she remembers fondly celebrating Eid, the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic Holy Month. “It was like Christmas for me,” she says. Her family would gather in a farmhouse in the village for a big feast. “The kids would play and the grandmothers were happy, cooking up a storm!” Living in the United States, Dr. Javed misses these cherished moments with her family the most. 

Volunteering in her community holds great importance for Dr. Javed, as well. In March, she had the opportunity to return to her hometown and deliver a talk on Cath Lab training at the Institute of Cardiology. Closer to her current home and during the pandemic, she provided assistance at the Mosque in Sharon, Massachusetts, delivering talks on COVID-19 and participating in vaccination efforts.

Dr. Javed emphasizes the beauty of the melting pot concept in the United States. She believes that embracing diversity of thought and incorporating the best ideas from individuals with various perspectives is instrumental in advancing society. 

Thank you Dr. Nosheen Javed for graciously sharing your inspiring story in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

For More about Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Southcoast Health, please visit Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Southcoast Health.