Dr. Nicole Rakowski, PhD, 2X TedTalk Speaker, is a physician-in-training, sports medicine writer, researcher, and competitive bodybuilder working at the intersection of performance science, medicine, and public health. A recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Award from the NYC Journal, she is recognized for her leadership across healthcare innovation, athletics, and health communication.

Nicole is currently a medical student at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine, pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Her academic and writing work focuses on injury prevention, athlete health, and how principles from elite sport can inform healthcare systems, prevention strategies, and population health outcomes.

She serves as an official writer and contributor for Muscle Insider and Muscle & Fitness, part of the Olympia Fitness & Performance Network, where she translates complex medical and performance science into practical, evidence-based insights for global audiences. As a professional fitness athlete, Nicole has collaborated with major industry brands and has appeared in international fitness publications including STRONG and Muscle Memory Magazine.

Prior to entering medicine, Nicole held leadership roles within Canadian healthcare systems, contributing to large-scale clinical operations, patient experience strategy, and public health initiatives. Her work included leadership involvement in COVID-19 vaccination operations and health system transformation programs focused on improving care coordination and patient-centered delivery models.

Through her combined work in medicine, research, athletics, and media, Nicole advocates for a new generation of physician-leaders who bridge clinical science, performance, and public communication to advance prevention-focused healthcare and lifelong human performance.