“Lives of great women all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.”
Introduction
In every generation, there are a few individuals whose journeys rise above the ordinary—not because they sought fame or fortune, but because they chose to live with purpose, integrity, and tireless dedication. Dr. Surinder Dhanjil is one such individual.
This biography is not merely a recollection of events, titles, or accolades. It is an exploration of character, a study of how one woman’s quiet determination reshaped medical practice, advanced clinical science, and inspired communities both within and beyond the walls of hospitals. It is a story of a life built on humility, service, resilience, and leadership—qualities so deeply interwoven into Dr. Dhanjil’s being that they form the very essence of this narrative.
Born with a spirit of inquiry and a compassionate heart, Dr. Dhanjil began her career with the simple intention of helping others. But from those early days in the Radiology Department of Charing Cross Hospital, she would go on to build a legacy that has influenced the course of vascular science across continents. From performing intricate ultrasound diagnostics to pioneering new techniques for carotid artery assessment, she never wavered in her dedication to high-quality work, safety, and patient care.
At the heart of this biography lies not just a story of professional achievement, but also the human story of a woman who balanced innovation with empathy. As a mentor and teacher, she nurtured countless young minds, guiding them with patience and insight. As a researcher, her work pushed the boundaries of diagnostic medicine, contributing to the global advancement of non-invasive vascular testing. As a leader in the NHS, she improved clinical outcomes while advocating for ethical practices and staff development.
Yet, even amidst scientific acclaim and institutional recognition, Dr. Dhanjil remained grounded. Her roles in humanitarian service through the Lions Club International and the Commonwealth Countries League reveal a woman who believed that professional success must be matched by social responsibility. Whether raising funds to educate girls in rural India or supporting children’s health initiatives in the UK, she gave generously—not just of resources, but of spirit.
This book captures that rare intersection of personal grace and professional greatness. Through carefully crafted chapters, reflective narratives, and illuminating quotes, readers will walk through the corridors of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, step into international conferences where her work was celebrated, and glimpse into the quiet moments of sacrifice—like pausing a PhD journey to care for an ailing parent—that reveal the true magnitude of her character.
In telling Dr. Dhanjil’s story, this biography aims to do more than document a life. It seeks to inspire future generations of healthcare workers, scientists, educators, and humanitarians. It is a call to action, a reminder that true legacy is not built in moments of glory but in years of consistent service, in lifting others, and in living with purpose.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Phase 1: Humble Roots, Noble Aspirations
In the quiet rhythms of everyday life, some individuals carry within them a spark—a sense of purpose not yet fully formed but instinctively felt. For Dr. Surinder Dhanjil, that spark was compassion. Long before she donned a white coat or stood before global conferences, she was a girl shaped by the twin pillars of humility and service.
Raised in a household where values came before vanity and where community mattered as much as individual growth, young Surinder grew up with a deep respect for elders, an observant eye for human suffering, and an earnest desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Her upbringing was steeped in cultural richness and moral instruction. She observed how small acts of kindness could ripple outward—how integrity, once seeded, could shape entire destinies. It was not merely education that formed her, but character-building experiences in the family and community that nurtured her early ideals.
Her curiosity for the human body, the mysteries of illness and recovery, and the invisible thread that binds care with healing began to take root during these formative years. But it wasn’t until 1985, when she stepped through the doors of Charing Cross Hospital in London, that her aspirations would begin to take formal shape.
Joining as a Radiographer, she embarked on what would become one of the most foundational periods of her life. At Charing Cross, she was not content to merely fulfil the routine responsibilities of a radiology technician. Instead, she immersed herself in learning, volunteering for every opportunity to train in the expansive disciplines of ultrasound—general, obstetric, gynaecological, neonatal, paediatric, vascular, ophthalmic, and cardiac. In an era where cross-disciplinary training was not yet the norm, this level of comprehensive exposure was both rare and remarkable.
Her mentors quickly recognised not only her technical acumen but also her unique blend of precision and empathy—traits that would come to define her approach to medicine. She didn’t see patients as cases; she saw them as human stories waiting to be heard, understood, and respected. It was here that Dr. Dhanjil developed what she would later refer to as her “clinical conscience”—the inner voice that insisted on excellence, demanded safety, and prioritised the dignity of those under her care.
This early phase of her career also introduced her to the discipline of structured diagnostics. Ultrasound imaging, with its reliance on both technology and interpretive skill, appealed to both sides of her intellect—the logical and the intuitive. She understood that a successful sonographer must not only master anatomy but also possess an artist’s eye and a scientist’s mind, able to discern subtle patterns and deviations that could mean the difference between life and death.
Yet even in this intensive environment, Dr. Dhanjil never lost sight of her deeper goal: to serve, to improve, to evolve. She wasn’t driven by ambition for status but by an unwavering aspiration to make a difference. Each scan, each report, and each clinical interaction became a step forward—an act of dedication toward something greater than herself.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Phase 2: The Scholar and the Healer
Every great healer is first a relentless learner. For Dr. Surinder Dhanjil, education was never a means to an end—it was the foundation of service, the source of strength, and the gateway to transformation. In her world, clinical practice and academic pursuit were not separate lanes but two parallel tracks running together toward a common destination: a higher standard of care for all.
Fresh from her radiographic training, Dr. Dhanjil quickly realized that while foundational knowledge could get one through the day, mastery required continuous pursuit. In 1986, just a year into her clinical work, she embarked on a rigorous path by enrolling in the Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (DMU) programme at University College Hospital, London. This was not just a step forward; it was a leap into deeper expertise and multidisciplinary exposure that very few dared to take so early in their careers.
The DMU programme demanded not only academic rigour but also intensive clinical immersion. Dr. Dhanjil embraced the challenge with characteristic humility and determination. Her training rotations took her to prestigious and specialised institutions: at Moorefield’s Eye Hospital, she delved into ophthalmic biometry, developing precision in measurements as delicate and complex as the eye. At the Heart Hospital, she trained in echocardiography, mastering the rhythm and resilience of the human heart. At Charing Cross Vascular Unit, she gained hands-on experience in vascular ultrasound, the speciality that would eventually become her life’s calling.
Each setting added another layer to her growing expertise, but more importantly, it shaped her perspective. She was not just collecting certifications; she was building a multifaceted vision of medicine—one that required seeing the patient as a whole, not just through the narrow lens of a single organ system. Her understanding of disease was not compartmentalised—it was integrative, rooted in both physiology and empathy.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Phase 3: Pioneer at St. Mary’s
In the heart of London’s medical landscape stands St. Mary’s Hospital, a revered institution with a long history of pioneering healthcare. But in April 2001, a new chapter of excellence began to unfold within its walls—one led not by fanfare, but by quiet determination and visionary leadership. When Dr. Surinder Dhanjil was appointed Head Clinical Vascular Scientist at the Irvine Vascular Studies Department at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, she did not merely inherit a department—she redefined its future.
What followed over the next fourteen years was not just administration, but transformation.
With a mind sharpened by years of rigorous academic training and a heart grounded in patient-centred care, Dr. Dhanjil approached her new role with a blend of humility and purpose. From the outset, she saw the department not as a static unit, but as a living organism—one that needed nurturing, evolving, and aligning with the highest global standards
She implemented a multi-dimensional strategy that integrated clinical service delivery, financial management, staff development, and innovation. Under her leadership, the department became a model of operational excellence and a hub of advanced diagnostics and learning.
Dr. Dhanjil’s leadership style was distinguished not by hierarchy, but by collaboration. She believed that every staff member—from trainee to technician—was a vital part of the clinical ecosystem. She introduced comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensured safety, precision, and consistency across every scan, audit, and consultation. These SOPs, regularly reviewed and updated, became the foundation upon which the department functioned—with clarity, accountability, and clinical rigour.
But she didn’t stop at systems. She invested in people. She was a passionate mentor; she created structured training programs for both internal staff and visiting fellows. She became a cornerstone of clinical education for SVT GBI (Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland) trainees and Imperial College MSc students in Vascular Ultrasound.
Her teaching extended beyond theory—she taught with her hands, her eyes, and her intuition, guiding students not only on how to perform a scan but how to interpret it with nuance, responsibility, and compassion.
Note of Thanks
With deepest gratitude and admiration, we extend our sincere thanks to all those who have been a part of Dr. Surinder Dhanjil’s extraordinary journey.
To the colleagues, mentors, and collaborators who walked alongside her in the corridors of medicine and research—your support, encouragement, and shared pursuit of excellence helped shape a legacy of innovation and care that continues to inspire.
To the students and trainees she mentored—thank you for carrying forward her values of precision, compassion, and lifelong learning. You are the living continuation of her impact.
To the patients and families whose lives she touched with skill and empathy—your trust gave her work its truest meaning. Your stories were never just cases; they were the reason she pursued perfection every day.
To the Lions Club family and charitable communities—thank you for joining her in her mission of service beyond borders. Together, you helped bring light, education, and hope to many corners of the world.
And above all, to her family, especially her beloved mother—your love, sacrifices, and quiet strength have been the foundation upon which this towering life of purpose was built. Your influence is deeply woven into her every achievement.
This biography is not merely a chronicle of accomplishments. It is a celebration of humanity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to doing good. Thank you for being part of that story.
With profound respect and heartfelt appreciation,
Thanks
Dr. Surinder Kaur Dhanjil