Dayal Bhana had a distinguished career as a medical student and was awarded the first prize and gold medal in anatomy, second prize in general and clinical physiology, first prize and gold medal in medicine. Following qualification he held a number of junior appointments including medical intern and

Born on 15 October 1932 in Auckland, Doous attended the Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland University College and the University of Otago where he graduated MB ChB in 1956, and where in his final year he was awarded the Sir Carrick Robertson Surgical Prize. He was junior and senior house surgeon