About me

I'm a UK-trained surgeon and certified professional coach, working with clinicians and high-performance professionals to navigate the demands of modern work.

After years in medicine, I saw first-hand how relentless pressure, perfectionism, and self-doubt can impact performance and wellbeing.

My qualifications in both medicine and coaching allow me to combine evidence-based tools with lived experience, helping professionals find clarity, confidence, and sustainable ways to perform at their best.

My Approach

I am fascinated by the human body and mind and have been lucky
enough to study it for over twenty years. My approach is:

I am fascinated by the human body and mind and have been lucky enough to study it for over twenty years. My approach is:

Evidence-Based

Grounded in coaching theory and behavioural science. No fluff, just the good stuff.

Optimising performance

Reach your potential through self-awareness, growth and support.

Human-focused

Focusing on the person behind the clinician because we’re all human.

How did I get here?

My key training and career milestones to date.

2003-2006

BSc. in Anatomy & Physiology (1st)

Undergraduate science degree majoring in Anatomy and Physiology University of Melbourne H1 Average (1st Class Equiv.) Wood-Jones Award for Topographical Anatomy

2006-2010

MBChB (Hons.)

Postgraduate degree in Medicine and Surgery University of Birmingham Awarded with Honours

2010-2012

Foundation Training (Y1 & 2)

Foundation training years 1 and 2, across medical and surgical specialties Bristol, UK

2012

Membership RCS (Engl.)

The membership exam for the RCS (Engl.) required to start surgical training Royal College of Surgeons (England)

2012-2014

Core Surgical Training (Y1 & 2)

The first two years of surgical training London, UK

2014 - 2023

Specialist Training in Plastic Surgery

Specialist Training in Plastic Surgery, initially in Scotland and then in pan Thames. Scotland & London, UK

2016-2018

MSc in Reconstructive Microsurgery (Dist.)

Masters degree in Reconstructive Microsurgery Queen Mary’s University, London Awarded with Distinction

2021

FRCS (Plast)

The Fellowship exam for the RCS (Engl.) in Plastic Surgery Royal College of Surgeons (England)

2023

CCT and GMC Specialist Register

Completion of surgical training, and entry to the GMC specialist register for Plastic Surgery

2020-2023

Co-active Professional Coaching Certification

Professional coaching intermediate training then certification with the Co-active Training Institute. Membership of, and ACC badge with, the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

2025

Coaching with Physical Intelligence Training

Training in integrating Physical Intelligence into coaching at foundation level with the Physical Intelligence Institute

2010-2025

Surgical practice

Working as a doctor in different medical specialties, then Plastic Surgery

2026

Resilient Leaders Elements Training

Training as a Resilient Leaders Elements Consultant - ongoing

2023 - current

Professional Coaching

Working as a professional coach with surgeons and other high stakes professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A bit more about what I do

1

What do I do?

I am a certified professional coach, and I deliver 1:1 coaching sessions with clients who are often surgeons, but not limited to them. Topics vary widely but may fall into categories around optimising performance under pressure clinically (like in the operating theatre), in interviews, viva exams or public speaking; optimising productivity and managing day-to-day admin with life more broadly, or specifically working up to a challenge, like the exam; or exploring areas around motivation, purpose, who you are, what you stand for, the impact you have, and how you tend to get in your own way. I am also passionate about training and education around evidence-based tools and frameworks, and discussing issues more broadly that are commonly experienced, but not often talked about in surgical cultures and teams.

2

Why do I do it?

When I was training as a plastic surgeon, I struggled with performance anxiety and didn’t know what to do to help myself. I became aware of the wealth of understanding in other professional domains, like sport, the military and the performing arts that could support doctors under pressure. I later had cancer treatment and returned to work with less energy than I had before, and a different outlook on life. At this point, I learnt about concepts relating to managing energy rather than time, harnessing motivation and connecting with purpose in intentionally shaping sustainable, healthy and enjoyable lives. I trained as a coach to help others connect with the incredible people that they are, and be their own best friends.

3

What coaching supervision do I have?

I have certified with the Co-Active Training Institute, and regularly assist on their courses. I also have undertaken further training with Coaches Rising, the Physical Intelligence Institute and Resilient Leaders Elements. I have ongoing supervision and mentor coaching, as well as personal coaching alongside my practice, and am a member of the International Coaching Federation.

"I had the privilege of working with Lilli as my coach during a critical juncture in my life. Her compassionate, and honest approach was invaluable as she guided me through significant decisions with insight and humour. Lilli encouraged me to engage my body, mind, and inner voice to navigate life’s complexities. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking thoughtful coaching."

- Surgical registrar

"I had the privilege of working with Lilli as my coach during a critical juncture in my life. Her compassionate, and honest approach was invaluable as she guided me through significant decisions with insight and humour. Lilli encouraged me to engage my body, mind, and inner voice to navigate life’s complexities. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking thoughtful coaching."

- Surgical registrar

"I had the privilege of working with Lilli as my coach during a critical juncture in my life. Her compassionate, and honest approach was invaluable as she guided me through significant decisions with insight and humour. Lilli encouraged me to engage my body, mind, and inner voice to navigate life’s complexities. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking thoughtful coaching."

- Surgical registrar

Sign up for Lilli's Newsletter

A monthly letter sharing insights, reflections, and resources for clinicians and high stakes professionals who want to perform or feel better, or both!

Thoughtful content, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Sign up for Lilli's Newsletter

A monthly letter sharing insights, reflections, and resources for clinicians and high stakes professionals who want to perform or feel better, or both!

Thoughtful content, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Sign up for Lilli's Newsletter

A monthly letter sharing insights, reflections, and resources for clinicians and high stakes professionals who want to perform or feel better, or both!

Thoughtful content, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Supporting healthcare professionals to thrive through evidence-based resources, coaching, and community.

Copyright Lilli Cooper © 2026, All Rights Reserved

Copyright Lilli Cooper © 2026

All Rights Reserved