Leah Totton

Leah Totton grew up in Derry, Northern Ireland.[8][9] She studied medicine at the University of East Anglia in Norwich,[10][11] graduating as a physician in 2011, aged 23. She subsequently registered with the General Medical Council.[11][12]

In 2013, Totton won the £250,000 prize for business acumen on BBC One's The Apprentice, a British reality television competition that offers the winner an opportunity to start a business with British business magnate Lord Alan Sugar.[13][14] Along with Lord Alan Sugar, she set up a chain of ethical Cosmetic Clinics, Dr Leah Clinics. Leah She continued work as a physician within the NHS on a part-time basis.[2][13]

In 2014, Dr Leah Clinic, co-owned with Lord Sugar, opened in central London.[1][8][15][16] There was criticism at the time regarding Totton's young age and level of experience by several members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).[17][18][19][20] Despite this her resulting business has gone on achieve acclaim, winning 'Best Clinic London' in 2017 and 2018 in the national 'My Face My Body' Awards.[21] Together with Lord Alan Sugar she has gone on to open further Dr Leah Clinic branches in Essex and London.[22]

Totton has advocated better regulation and improved standards in the cosmetic industry.[3][8][13][15][23] She endorsed a 2013 review by Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director, that expressed concern over lack of proper qualifications for some dermal filler treatments.[15][20] Her expressed reason for being drawn to the field was to help reduce adverse outcomes, which one of her mother's acquaintances had experienced; she has spoken against treating teenagers with botox, and in favour of carefully setting realistic goals from the initial consultation.[8][19][24]

She has frequently spoken out on women's issues.[25][26]