Raised in Scarborough after immigrating from the Philippines in Grade Nine, Dr. Jose Nazareno now serves as a gastroenterologist at the very hospital that cared for his family. “This hospital looked after my aunt until her passing,” he says. “It’s my home hospital. It means a lot to be able to give back to the same community that helped us when I was growing up.”
As a gastroenterologist at SHN’s Centenary Hospital, Dr. Nazareno divides his week between performing procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies and consulting with patients in his office. Every six weeks, he rotates on call, managing urgent gastrointestinal cases in the emergency department. It’s a demanding schedule, one he shares with his wife, Dr. Janice Nazareno, who also works at SHN as a Radiologist and Breast Imaging Lead.
“It’s very busy, especially with three kids,” he admits. “But it’s also rewarding. You really value the free time you do get, and we support each other both professionally and at home.”
As we mark Filipino Heritage Month, Dr. Jose Nazareno reflects on the unique responsibility he feels serving one of Scarborough’s most vibrant but underrepresented communities. Scarborough is home to over 55,000 Filipinos and account for 7% of the entire Scarborough population, making it necessary to have culturally sensitive care.
“There are a lot of Filipinos in Scarborough, but very few Filipino doctors,” he explains. “So when someone from the community needs a specialist, it means a lot to be able to speak the language, understand the culture, and offer care that feels familiar and respectful. We’re a large population, but we’re still underserved when it comes to healthcare providers.”
His passion for care extends beyond the clinic. As a donor and proud member of the SHN Physicians’ Campaign, Dr. Jose Nazareno believes strongly in investing in the future of healthcare in Scarborough.
“SHN is one of the most underfunded hospital systems when it comes to donations,” he says. “That’s why it’s so important for physicians to step up and lead by example. And with the new medical school coming to Scarborough, we have a chance to grow something incredible. I want to see that vision succeed.”
For Dr. Nazareno, giving back isn’t just about funding equipment or programs, it’s about honouring the community that raised him and ensuring the next generation receives the care, respect, and representation they deserve.