‘What’s under the surface matters just as much as what’s seen’ – Dr Anna Maria Fenech Magrin

In the fast-evolving world of Aesthetic Medicine, where trends rise quickly and competition can feel relentless, Dr Anna Maria Fenech Magrin, Medical Director at DoctorAM Clinics, has built her career on something truly timeless: integrity.

“As the CEO of an aesthetic medicine clinic, I believe integrity is not just a value – it’s the foundation of trust between patient and doctor, between brand and community,” she says.

That philosophy runs through every aspect of her work, from the way she trains her team to the technologies she adopts, and even the way she collaborates with peers around the world.

For Dr Fenech Magrin, integrity starts with knowledge. She believes that leaders in Aesthetic Medicine have a responsibility to stay ahead of the curve, not for prestige, but for patient safety.

“I have always dedicated a lot of my time to professional development, as this was my number one priority from my beginning in Aesthetic Medicine, 20 years ago,” she explains.

Persistence has always been a feature of Dr Fenech Magrin’s pursuit of learning. After completing a Master in Public Health Medicine, she immediately enrolled in the first-ever Master’s programme in Aesthetic Medicine at Queen Mary University of London. Some peers questioned why she would spend years in further study instead of jumping straight into business and focusing her energy on marketing and growing her social media presence, but she wanted to stay true to her values.

“That was never the vision I had for my clinic. I wanted to grow with integrity and always put my patients’ safety first,” she reflects.

Even today, Dr Fenech Magrin attends multiple international congresses each year, not just as a speaker and trainer, but as a learner. This culture of continuous improvement is something she instils in her team, making sure that they remain proficient in the latest technologies, such as endolaser (Endolift) and Pico laser systems.

However, Dr Fenech Magrin’s dedication to learning doesn’t stop at her clinic doors. Now a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Deputy Course Lead for the same Master’s programme she took at Queen Mary University, she works closely with colleagues from across the globe.

“Medicine is a global language, and collaboration sharpens our practice,” she says. By engaging in international dialogue, she brings cutting-edge knowledge and a broad perspective back home, assuring that her clinic operates at the highest global standard.

For Dr Fenech Magrin, integrity means not only advancing herself but also bringing others forward alongside her. She mentors young practitioners, leads workshops, and frequently speaks at national and international events.

Her passion for structured, high-quality training led her to establish the Mediterranean Academy of Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine (MAARM) in 2019, with training and fellowship programmes to support the next generation of aesthetic doctors.

At her clinic, this commitment to education is woven into the culture. “It’s not just about mastering the latest techniques – it’s about cultivating a culture of integrity, safety, and respect for the art and science of Aesthetic Medicine,” she explains.

Perhaps the clearest expression of her professionalism is her clinic’s uncompromising policy on safety and transparency. In a field where shortcuts are tempting, she insists on only using authentic, licensed products.

“We’re clear about what treatments involve, what products we use, and what results are realistically achievable. No treatment, no matter how trendy or profitable, is worth compromising our standards or putting patients at risk.”

She points to warnings from regulators in Switzerland and the UK about unlicensed fillers, botulinum toxins, and fat-dissolving agents – products that are still used, and even promoted, by some clinics. “It’s a worrying trend, especially in a field where patient trust and safety should be paramount,” she says firmly.

For her, ethical leadership means choosing the harder right over the easier wrong. And her patients know they can rely on that.

Being a founding member of the Aesthetic Physician Association of Malta (APAM), an organisation dedicated to raising ethical standards and promoting better regulation of Aesthetic Medicine locally, Dr Fenech Magrin also stresses the importance of staying connected.

“We hold regular meetings to discuss clinical practices, patient safety, and emerging concerns,” she explains. “I see this not just as a professional duty, but as a way to help raise the bar for aesthetic care in our country.”

Her sense of responsibility for contributing to the bettering of communities outside the clinic is also present. Dr Fenech Magrin and her team also contribute quietly to charitable initiatives, offering financial support, free services, or community outreach. ‘‘Whether it’s through financial donations, free services, or community outreach, we believe in using our platform to create a positive impact’’.

For Dr Fenech Magrin, leadership in Aesthetic Medicine is not defined by follower counts or marketing strategies, but by trust, knowledge, and service.

“My goal as a CEO isn’t just to run a successful clinic but to lead with integrity in every decision,” she reflects. “Because in Aesthetic Medicine, what’s under the surface matters just as much as what’s seen.”