Leah Totton

Background

Leah Totton grew up in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Education

She studied medicine at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, graduating as a physician in 2011, and subsequently registered with the General Medical Council.

Career

Her business plan, a cosmetic clinic co-owned with Lord Alan Sugar, launched in 2014. She has received media attention for success on the show, the resulting business, and for advocacy of improved quality and integrity in the cosmetic treatment industry. She continued work as a physician within the National Health Service on a locum basis.

In 2014,, co-owned with Lord Sugar, opened in central London.

At launch, the clinic had a consultant plastic surgeon, who is a BAAPS advisor, and Doctor Martyn King, owner of the Cosmedic Skin Clinic, as Medical Director. One year after opening, The Irish Post quoting Totton, reported that the clinic met financial targets ahead of schedule.

Totton has advocated better regulation and improved standards in the cosmetic industry. She endorsed a 2013 review by Sir Bruce Keogh, National Health Service medical director, that expressed concern over lack of proper qualifications for some dermal filler treatments.

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 favor of carefully setting realistic goals from the initial consultation. She has frequently spoken out on women"s issues.

Achievements

• In 2013, Totton won the £250,000 prize for business acumen on British Broadcasting Corporation One"s The Apprentice, a British reality television competition that offers the winner an opportunity to work with British business magnate Lord Alan Sugar. After her television win, Totton"s expertise was criticised, including comments by several members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).