Volunteer. Surgeon. Husband. Father. Friend.
These are just a few titles to describe Utah native Dayne R. Jensen, M.D., D.M.D. “Dr. Dayne” brings his expertise as a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon in Northern Utah to the humble villages of Ghana, Africa, as the surgical director for Ghana Make A Difference. Founded in 2012 by Cory and Stacey Hofman, the mission of GMAD is to “protect vulnerable children and to preserve families in Ghana.” Dr. Dayne and his team of volunteer surgeons and specialists provide vital and often complex surgeries as part of GMAD medical missions.
Bringing needed medical care to a remote part of the world can be life-changing for all involved. Dr. Dayne and his family take the journey to serve in Africa together. His amazing wife, Brooke Jensen, works as a surgical coordinator and is often the first person a patient sees after surgery. The Jensen children also spend time helping in the village, at the school, and in the community. The lines of people waiting to be evaluated are a testament to the direct needs being addressed within the community.
His work is a collaborative effort to alleviate human suffering. “Medical missions keep me going back. You realize you have to do more, because there is so much more to do.” Dr. Dayne reflects on the strength of local medical care providers in Ghana. “It is amazing to see what they have done with limited resources. They make every stitch count.”
The heart of the mission is reflected in the love and kindness of people like Dr. Dayne and family along with the many donors, volunteers, and participants who come together to bring healing and hope to those in need. As Dr. Dayne says of medical missions in Ghana, “You think you are going there to help people, but the person who will be the most changed and healed will be you.”
"You think you are going there to help people, but the person who will be the most changed and healed will be you." Dr. Dayne Jensen