Meet Kate Raastad | Medical Doctor (M.D.) & Nationally qualified NPC Bikini competitor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Raastad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, how do you think about risk?
I wouldn’t be where I am today in life or my career if it weren’t for taking risks. Starting back in 2001, when my mother and I moved from Vladivostok, Russia to USA. It was definitely not an easy move or adjustment, but I am so grateful we took the plunge in pursuit of better lives! Moving onto pursuing medical school education. They say the hardest part of not only medical school, but your whole medical training is just getting into school. And speaking from my own experience, that could not be any more true! Admission to medical school is extremely competitive, and only gets harder and harder every year. Once you are in, you have to be 100% committed to the field, there is no going back! It was definitely one of the greater risks I have took on in my life, but I am so grateful I have found the specialty that I absolutely love!
And of course, as a Nationally qualified competitive bodybuilder in the Bikini division, I take a risk every single time I step on stage. I prepare for months at a time by enduring a low calorie diet while still keeping up with my strength training, numerous hours of cardio, daily stretching and posing practice, all for those few seconds on stage! And all while maintaining a full time career as a physician. Despite your best efforts and all the preparation, the judges might not reward you with the highest placing that day. You truly need to love the sport to continue excelling in it, regardless of your placing.
Bottom line, risk taking in life is inevitable, Yes it will be challenging, scary, and at times you will want to give up. But if it is truly something you desire, don’t be afraid to take the plunge!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently an Associate Deputy Medical Examiner at the Los Angeles Country Coroner-Medical Examiner office. I have completed 4 years of undergraduate studies and 4 years of medical school at the University of Hawai’i, followed by 4 years of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine residency at Cedar Sinai Medical Center, with a successful Board certification. My journey to where I am today was by far not easy! Through the 8 years of medical school and residency, I have worked very long hours, overnight shifts, and took a lot of “call” in the middle of the night, all with an extra challenge of also preparing for bodybuilding competitions. During my medical training, I had to do a lot of things I did not particularly enjoy, or had any interest in. However, I had a bigger goal of becoming a medical examiner for the past 7 years of my life! I knew it wouldn’t be forever, there was light in the end of the tunnel. I did my best to enjoy each specialty I rotated through, learn as much as possible, and have fun! Today I am living my dream as I complete my one year of Forensic Pathology Fellowship. My biggest advice is stop seeking immediate results, and giving up should they not come quick enough! Some things in life are worth waiting for!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my amazing mother, my family, and my friends

Instagram: @fit_kate_md

Image Credits
Joe Mikoli, James Thomas, Olyver Lopez, NPC News Online