In our first episode on The Simple Guide to Looking Sh1t Hot podcast, Alexandra Wood sits down with Dr. Suhail Hussain, a distinguished private GP is known for combining the attentive, bespoke nature of private healthcare with an unexpectedly sharp sense of style. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Hussain opens up about his journey from NHS GP to private doctor, and the philosophy that drives him to provide personalised care that goes beyond the conventional approach.
A Stylish Surprise in the Medical World
Alexandra recalls the first time she met Dr. Hussain at a networking event. “When he told me he was a doctor, I was quite surprised – in the best way! He was wearing a flannel pinstripe suit with a roll-neck jumper, not the typical look you’d expect from a GP. I just knew I had to learn more about his story,” she shares.
It turns out Dr. Hussain’s journey is anything but typical. He’s been a GP for over two decades, but his path to private practice was driven by a desire for deeper connections and genuine care with his patients – the kind that is often challenging to maintain within the NHS’s constraints.
The Transition to Private Practice
After years of working within the NHS, Dr. Hussain felt a growing dissatisfaction with the limitations placed on his practice. “The ten-minute appointment slots, the one-problem-per-consultation rule, and the constant conveyor belt of patients made it difficult to provide the level of care I aspired to,” he explains. In 2021, he made the leap to private practice, creating a model that emphasises convenience and personalised service by offering home visits.
His approach has allowed him to practise what he describes as “modern medicine with traditional bedside values.” He likens it to bespoke tailoring, where patients feel known and understood, rather than being just another name on a list.
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Solopreneurship
Leaving the security of the NHS was not without its challenges. Dr. Hussain shares, “When you’re in a stable career, you have a guaranteed job. But running your own practice means balancing everything – clinical work, admin, and marketing. It’s daunting at times, but also incredibly fulfilling.”
For Dr. Hussain, the autonomy of private practice comes with high points, including the flexibility to devote quality time to his patients. It’s this personal touch, combined with his refined sense of style, that sets him apart in the private healthcare field.
A Family Legacy and a New Direction
With five generations of medics in his family, Dr. Hussain feels as though medicine is a “genetic disorder.” Yet, while he honours this legacy, he is candid about his hesitation to encourage his children to pursue careers in medicine, especially given the current pressures on healthcare professionals. “The burnout, the constant turnover, and the struggles in general practice make it hard to recommend it as a career path,” he says.
A Unique Style, Tailored to Perfection
One of the standout aspects of Dr. Hussain’s persona is his approach to style. While many may expect a doctor to prioritise function over style, Dr. Hussain sees his attire as an extension of his professionalism. He’s garnered attention on LinkedIn for his view that doctors should consider dressing formally, which he feels enhances credibility and communication.
He shares, “In the NHS, I always wore a jacket and trousers, with a seasonal twist – a tie in winter, no tie in summer. I feel it brings a sense of respect to the role.” His personal style blends traditional British tailoring with Italian influences, favouring the softer shoulders and lightweight fabrics of brands like Pinny Palmer and Boggi Milano.
The Future of Private Healthcare
Dr. Hussain’s practice serves as a reminder that personalised medicine doesn’t have to mean impersonal encounters. His unique blend of modern medicine with a classic touch resonates with clients seeking not only care but also a familiar face they can trust. His practice model – providing private GP services to clients in Greater London and Hertfordshire – fills a niche for those seeking convenience without sacrificing the relationship-building aspect of healthcare.
With plans to expand his service area and a vision of high-touch, relationship-driven care, Dr. Hussain is redefining what it means to be a private GP. And while he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of writing a book, for now, he remains focused on delivering bespoke healthcare experiences, one well-dressed appointment at a time.
Interested in experiencing personalised, premium healthcare? Find out more about Dr. Hussain’s exclusive GP services and explore the world of bespoke, relationship-driven medicine here.
Watch the podcast episode on YouTube here to discover the mood board Alexandra created for Dr Hussain.
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