Dr. Dhun Noria, O.Ont
Chief of Laboratory Medicine
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt sad for just one day. Then, I reminded myself that I was in Canada, where I would receive the best possible care. I faced my battle twice—first in 1994 and again in 2003. Over the years, I’ve had seven surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation—everything you can imagine—but I stayed positive.
I moved to Scarborough from Mumbai in 1968 with $8 in my pocket. Today, I serve as the Chief of Laboratory Medicine at SHN leading a team of over 218 professionals, where we conduct approximately four million tests annually for about 250,000 patients. My journey in Scarborough began as part of the team that founded Birchmount Hospital in 1984. Back then, Scarborough was just a piece of land, and we had to work tirelessly, often late into the night by lantern light, to bring the hospital to life. I remember how rough the roads were—there were no paved paths to the site, just dirt and dust. Yet, we never stopped. We were determined to make Scarborough a place where everyone would receive the best care regardless of background.
Giving back has always been important to me. When financial contributions were beyond my reach, I started with simple blood donations. This spirit of generosity extended to encouraging my children and colleagues at SHN to give back as well. Over time, my husband Farokh and I have contributed over $1 million to the SHN Foundation. We made this commitment because we believe that a stronger healthcare system benefits everyone. I’m also deeply involved in the SHN Physicians’ Campaign, which aims to raise $2 million in 2024.
For me, leading by example is crucial because it can inspire others to create a broader culture of giving. It’s a philosophy that’s guided me throughout my journey, and I’ve been fortunate to be recognized with honours like the Order of Ontario and medals for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilees.
When the pandemic hit, Scarborough’s true grit came shining through. We handled the crisis with resilience, keeping our staff safe, managing resources, and caring for the community with compassion. Our shared lab did 10% of the province’s PCR testing.
This year, SHN’s Lab has made exciting strides in innovation. Pathology volumes have increased by 25%, keeping pace with the growing demands in emergency, nephrology, oncology, and surgery. Yet, despite these pressures, the team continues to exceed provincial standards through dedication and smart innovation.
Some of the recent improvements include the introduction of molecular and biomarker testing, helping doctors better treat and understand cancer. We’ve also brought in a new digital peripheral blood smear analyzer – which speeds up results and improves accuracy – helping doctors make faster decisions and boosting overall lab efficiency.
Despite our successes, Scarborough still faces significant challenges. For years, this community has been overlooked. We’re underfunded and under-resourced compared to hospitals downtown. But what we lack in resources, we more than make up for with determination. Scarborough provides a full spectrum of care—from paediatric to geriatric care, from cancer treatment to stroke recovery—and we do it all with less than anyone imagined possible.
That’s why I continue to give back. The care I’ve received here, the community that welcomed me, and the hospital that supported me through tough times—Scarborough gave me more than I could ever repay. So, I urge everyone to contribute in whatever way they can. Scarborough needs you. Our patients need you. Scarborough will always be my home, and I’ll keep giving back for as long as possible.
Dr. Noria is one of the 10 new faces of our Love, Scarborough campaign. To learn more visit LoveScarborough.ca