What does a plastic surgeon do? According to our fellow Edmond Rotarian, Jayesh Panchal, a plastic surgeon helps people gain their self-confidence and their self image, so they can live life in a normal, happier way. This statement well defines the passion Dr. Panchal has for his patients and his profession. One thing about Jayesh you may not have known, though, is that, in addition to helping his adult patients, he also devotes a significant portion of his practice to small children, to correcting birth defects or complications from rare diseases.

    Did you know that every year, more than 200,000 children are born with a severe cleft condition, such as a cleft lip or cleft palate? Did you know that this condition often leaves people unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile? Did you know that in some places, children born with a cleft condition are often shunned and rejected? Did you know that, in far too many cases, their parents cannot afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a normal life?

    Jayesh Panchal is a great example of the Rotary Motto. He has put his talents and abilities in Service Above Self to do something about the many children who suffer from a severe cleft condition.

    Through Operation Smile, Dr. Panchal, regularly visits underprivileged countries to help some of these children. According to its website, Operation Smile is “a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.” Founded in 1982, Operation Smile heals thousands of children every year.

    Dr. Panchal is in the private practice of plastic surgery in Edmond. From 2003-2005, he served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. In addition to his M.D., Jayesh has an M.S. in General Surgery and an M.B.A. His board certifications and honors are too numerous to list here. He has authored or coauthored dozens of peer-reviewed articles and regularly makes presentations at scientific meetings both domestically and abroad.

    Jayesh is President of Genesis Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Edmond. He is married to Tracy and the father of two daughters, Natasha and Olivia.

    Please welcome our special guest, Dr. Jayesh Panchal, to the Rotary Club of Edmond.

    Andy