Local surgeon is a proud ambassador for Smile Foundation

Dr Ferini Dayal, a Bertha Gxowa Hospital surgeon, continues to make history as she became the Smile Foundation’s first and youngest female surgeon ambassador.

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Dayal has two degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is also a model and a philanthropist.

She graduated with both degrees at the age of 24, the first being a biomedical sciences degree with a physiology major, followed by a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery.

Dayal has been fascinated with plastic surgery since she was young.

GCN recently reported that she was a member of a team that completed its first Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) treatment at the Bertha Gxowa Hospital.

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She said her interest in plastic surgery began when she witnessed a patient regain the full functionality of their arm through reconstructive surgery.

“Then I knew what I wanted to do. That was to give something back through my knowledge and skill; a multi-staged surgery that changed someone’s life forever,” said Dayal.

“My ambition is to complete my plastic surgery degree,” said Dayal.

“The Smile Foundation was celebrating its first week at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. I spent time there after work.

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“Being in a male-dominated career field requires a woman to fight a little harder for her place, however being asked to be a member of the Smile Foundation was a pleasant surprise and honour.”

Dayal represented South Africa in the 60th edition of Miss International in November after winning the Miss International South Africa contest and becoming the first South African surgeon to compete in Miss International.

She explains her pageantry career began when she won her first title at the age of 14.

Juggling two occupations has been difficult. “Time management is a skill, and it is one that I learnt and taught myself to have. My pageantry career has been successful because of the support of the hospital and those around me.

“I finished in the top 30 of Miss South Africa in 2021.

“I then competed in Miss International. I won for South Africa and going to Japan was both a dream come true and an experience.

”What made me proud was being able to carry the South African flag. It was a difficult experience as the local license holders were not supportive, but I fought hard to carry the flag and represent my country.

“I met Thailand’s then-reigning queen, Sireethorn Leearamwat, and we discussed the medical industry in South Africa. She is a pharmacist, so it was an interesting conversation.

“After a two-year break, the Miss International pageant organisation finally crowned a new queen.

“I finished in the top three in the African/Asian category for voting. Despite not winning any titles, I made new acquaintances with Miss England, Peru, and New Zealand. It’s not every day that surgeons compete in pageants, so that sets me apart from the crowd.”

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Dayal worked in the pediatric ward at Baragwanath Hospital during Covid-19.

“I later founded my foundation, which began with a Christmas drive for children, to provide them with a gift during their time in the hospital.

What started as something small, grew into a sustainable foundation with so much potential. The Dayal Foundation taught me I can make a difference in the world.

“We have raised R2m across numerous causes and initiatives. Everyone should acknowledge that there are gaps in the health system and that we are here to fill them.

“My parents believed in me and are essentially pillars of who I am; without them, I would never do what I do.”

Dayal believes she was born to be a doctor because she remembers being a child and playing doctor and applying plasters to those who were injured. I was rounded which I think is what doctors sequentially are.

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They are the epitome of excellence in society and use that to give health through their knowledge.

“I believe some careers are simply destined for people. My family encouraged me to be anything I want to be.

“My parents always tell me not to squander my talent because that’s how I’ll be the best, leave a legacy, and change people’s lives.

“When I informed them what I wanted to do, they didn’t hesitate to give me their approval.

“With technology playing such an important role in our practice today, it is critical to recognise AI’s role. It makes a difference in a variety of medical sectors, such as operating rooms.

“There is one thing that AI or technology cannot replace; the capacity of medicine and doctors’ use of knowledge in their hands,” said Dayal.

Dayal was impressed when she saw the Smile Foundation’s work with youngsters.

“I’ve been following them since I was a child. I see a future with them, and while pursuing my degree, I have intentions of one day starting a family and continuing to build my foundation.

“I usually run a Nelson Mandela Day children’s project at Bertha Gxowa Hospital through the foundation as well, and each year dedicate my time to a few special projects as part of my foundation,” said Dayal.

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“In 2021, I have focused on women’s health, maternal and child health, breast cancer awareness, and my annual charity drive for Christmas for our paediatric wards.

“Our health system has many gaps to fill, but together we have achieved so much success, and with my support team and the companies willing to help, we can achieve much more,” said Dayal.

For more information about the Dayal Foundation, contact her on Instagram at dr_FDayal.