Leah Totton
Leah Totton (born 22 January 1988) is a Northern Irish practising physician and entrepreneur who won the 2013 series of BBC One's The Apprentice.[1][2] Her business plan, a cosmetic clinic chain, named Dr Leah Clinics, co-owned with Lord Alan Sugar, launched in 2014. Their business was a success; with their London clinic winning national awards. Dr Leah Clinics expanded to open further branches in London and Essex.[1][2][3][4] She has received media attention for her glamorous appearance, her success on the show, the success of her resulting business[5][1][2] and for advocacy of improved ethics and integrity in the cosmetic treatment industry.[1][6] Despite the success of her business she remained committed to NHS work and continued to work part-time as an accident and emergency doctor.[7]
Leah Totton | |
---|---|
Born | Derry, Northern Ireland | 22 January 1988
Occupation | Doctor (NHS & private), business owner |
Known for | Winning the 9th series of The Apprentice', Owner Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics |
Website | www.drleah.co.uk |
Background
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]
Dr Leah Clinic
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]
Industry standards
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]
Other
She has frequently spoken out on women's issues.[25][26]
References
- Metro Reporter. The Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton launches her first clinic as she hopes to 'change the industry'. Metro. 22 January 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
- McCormack, Jayne. Apprentice winner Leah Totton launches business. BBC News, Northern Ireland. 22 January 2014.
- BBC One. The Apprentice. BBC. May 2014. Retrieved on 16 October 2014
- Audley, Fiona. Apprentice winner Leah Totton opens first cosmetic surgery clinic in London. The Irish Post. 23 January 2014
- McNally, Kelby (10 October 2013). "Apprentice stars Luisa Zissman and Leah Totton opt for ultra-revealing dresses at premiere". Daily Express.
- Audley, Fiona. Apprentice star eyeing success with 'game changing' cream. The Irish Post. 16 January 2015
- "Dr Leah Totton: 'I'm glad to be working as an NHS doctor - it's different from business, but it gives me perspective'". Belfast Telegraph.
- Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton opens first Botox clinic following £250,000 win. Business Matters. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
- The Apprentice winner Dr Leah joins Tanaiste for Derry dinner. Derry Journal. 22 October 2013.
- McDonald, Sally. Dr Leah: Fraser and I had to split. Sunday Post. 23 February 2014.
- "The medical register". www.gmc-uk.org.
- Hill, Patrick. Apprentice 2013 finalist Leah Totton targeted by internet trolls questioning if she is a doctor. Daily Mirror. 13 July 2013
- Evening Standard Reporter. The Apprentice: Lord Sugar’s sweet for thrilled winner Leah Totton. London Evening Standard. 18 July 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
- Morgan, Clive. The Apprentice 2013: Leah Totton crowned winner of the business contest. The Telegraph. 17 July 2013.
- Sherwin, Adam. Apprentice winner Leah Totton opens first cosmetic surgery clinic. The Independent. Wednesday 22 January 2014.
- "Boardroom games". 14 October 2014.
- Sanghani, Radhika. Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton: 'Botox isn't the same as a manicure or pedicure, it's a medical intervention'. The Telegraph. 12 February 2014
- Dr Bowler, Patrick. Why Dr Leah's Clinics Might Actually Be Brilliant for the Cosmetic Industries. Huffington Post. 23 September 2013
- Apprentice winner Leah Totton lacks 'expertise'. The Week. 18 July 2013.
- Surgeons put knife into The Apprentice winner Leah Totton's plan for Botox clinic chain. Belfast Telegraph. 19 July 2013.
- https://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/562904/the-apprentice-dr-leah-totton-cosmetic-surgery-clinic/
- https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/dr-leah-enjoys-record-years-sales-and-profit-37409624.html/
- Hassan, Anas. The world of Botox® and why I strongly support Dr Leah Totton. Pharmaceutical Journal. 17 December 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- McNally, Kelby. 'I feel so lucky!' The Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton opens her first botox clinic. Sunday Express. 22 January 2014.
- Frearson, Joanne. Business Reporter 3 July 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Thistlethwaite, Felicity. Alan's in his prime!' The Apprentice winner Leah Totton discusses Lord Sugar. The Express. 14 October 2014