Professional societies jointly condemn BBC Apprentice winner's business scheme

The main professional bodies for plastic surgery and dermatology today jointly and unequivocally condemn BBC Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton’s capacity to set up and run a chain of outlets offering injectable facial treatments such as Botox and fillers. Not only the British Association of Dermatologists (www.bad.org.uk), the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk) and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (www.bapras.org.uk) but a whole host of high-profile clinicians have taken to social media in a Twitter storm denouncing the junior doctor’s dangerously inadequate credentials for the project.

The extensive independent Review of Regulation on Cosmetic Interventions led by Sir Bruce Keogh (which issued its report earlier this year) highlighted problems within the non-surgical cosmetic sector and called for urgent development of an accredited training framework by Health Education England. The recommendations of the Review were welcomed by specialist professional groups who emphasise patient and public safety must be put ahead of commercial interests. They continue to urge rapid Parliamentary approval in order to take the recommendations forward and ensure that  proficient implementation and improved patient care is in place – but in the meantime, the public remain at risk.

Mr Graeme Perks, President BAPRAS says
“At a time when all professionals are collaborating with Sir Bruce Keogh to improve cosmetic surgery practice and protect the vulnerable, it is a concern that a very junior doctor can make claims to be an authority in this field and provide the direction and clinical judgement that only comes with experience.  The results of BBC Apprentice provide yet another demonstration of why Parliament must act fast.”

Professor Chris Bunker, President of the British Association of Dermatologists states
“We are seeing more and more complications at the hands of inadequately trained practitioners and counterfeit products. These adverse events can be permanent and life-ruining, and there are even reports of blindness being caused by inappropriate injection of fillers. Many patients require continued treatment and support on the NHS.”

According to Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President
“What this debate needs is a strong injection of common sense – if Dr Leah Totton were training to be a GP she would not be able to work unsupervised for another four years after qualifying. Yet in the private sector she is setting herself up to train others. Having a stab at running a business shouldn’t be taken literally.”

According to Dr Tamara Griffiths, dermatology representative on the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) which has been developing EU-wide standards for cosmetic surgery
“Dr Totton is a very junior doctor and her claim to be an expert in the field of cosmetic procedures may not measure up to the review by the European Committee for Standardisation, where international consensus has been reached regarding the imperative of adequate and accredited training.”