Dr. Ivan Rusilko-Interview with The Reading Cafe
The Reading Cafe is very pleased to welcome Dr. Ivan Rusilko.
Many of our friends and readers, first “met” Dr. Ivan–when his image was used voraciously ( in a fantasy cast of characters) as the representation for the adult version of Nick Gautier from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series. The funny thing–many will still see Ivan as Nick–we can’t help ourselves.
TRC: Hi Ivan and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. We would like to start with some basic background information.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Height: 6′
Year of Birth: 1984
Hometown: Meadville Pennsylvania
Currently Resides: Miami Beach, Florida
Personal Interests: guitar/cooking/travel/writing/reading/photography/acrylics
Education:
Bachelor of Health Science and Biology
Graduate: 2005
Mercyhurst College, Erie Pennsylvania
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduated: 2010
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie Pennsylvania
Awards:
Mister International Competition: Mister USA : 2008 (Boston )
USA Representative at Mr. World Competition: Mister USA 2010 (Boston)
Mr. Iron City Novice Overall Champion Bodybuilding 2008
America’s Most Desirable Man: 2010 (Boston)
America’s Hottest Man: Australia 2008
Marital Status: Single
Siblings: 1 Brother/Sister
Children: None that I know of
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TRC: Would you please tell us something about your childhood, growing up in Pennsylvania? What were your interests? In what sports did you participate?
Dr.Ivan: My childhood consisted of hunting, fishing and hockey… the simple pleasures. To help “build character” my father insisted that I work on a farm where I bailed hay, milked cows and shoveled shit. As much as I disliked it at the time I am so thankful for it now because I really appreciate what hard work is. My family is very close and we celebrated many holidays together throughout the year and still continue to do so. I was offered the option to pursue a childhood dream, playing professional hockey, but chose to accept a position in a accelerated medical program right out of high school truncating 4 years of undergraduate education into three with my fourth year becoming my first year of medical school. I was very blessed growing up.
TRC: Do you keep in contact with any of your childhood friends?
Dr.Ivan: Yes, I do. The nice thing about coming from such a small town is that the friendships you make are solid ones.
TRC: When did you become interested in bodybuilding and why?
Dr.Ivan: I got into bodybuilding in college. I used to strive to be the biggest and strongest guy in the gym but came to find I was impressing the wrong sex, ahah. I made the decision to slim down and get myself into a more athletic look and bodybuilding was a great way to do it.
TRC: You are a very gifted athlete and bodybuilder. Did your parents have any influence on your decision to become a bodybuilder? Who or what were your influences? Mentors?
Dr.Ivan: My father was the one who sparked the interest in this field. He was a former bodybuilder himself and had a make shift gym in our downstairs which became my personal gym throughout my childhood years.
TRC: Please describe your daily workout ethic. Do you follow any particular diet? Regularly? Or only during training and preparation for competitions?
Dr. Ivan I follow a very clean and healthy diet. I cycle carbs in and out depending on what I am currently doing and the look I am going for. I created a rather unique way of exercising that combines the knowledge I gained in medical school to the trial and errors of personal experience. Exercising for me is the only time of day I get to relax!
TRC: Are you still active in bodybuilding competitions?
Dr. Ivan: I am planning on doing a show this year… a new years resolution!!
TRC: What is your current involvement with competitive bodybuilding?
Dr. Ivan: I am not actively doing shows but do maintain a physique that is close to contest shape. Living in Miami Beach one comes to realize that your body is in an essence your business card. With the work I do in the cosmetic, anti aging and exercise fitness medical fields I try to practice what they preach. No one should take advice about weight loss from a doctor who needs to loose weight himself!
TRC: Have you ever participated in a competition where everything went horribly wrong or something happened that was so humorous, you still talk about it every time you get together with friends?
Dr. Ivan: I tend to not take my posing routines too serious. My first show I used the song “Sweet Dreams” song as my music and got a great laugh from the crowd. I could barley pose due to the fact I was laughing so hard. If you cant laugh at yourself someone else will.
TRC: What do you say to young body builders about the dangers and abuse of anabolic steroids?
Dr. Ivan: I believe that everyone should be educated on what anabolic steroids are. One of the biggest problems is people using them without any knowledge about what they are.
TRC: Along with bodybuilding, you are a model and spokesperson. A very prolific model including calendars, wineries, Gold’s Gym, GNC . Which do you prefer-runway, print or fashion model and why?
Dr. Ivan: Honestly I love runway because it is very relaxed and I find it enjoyable. Many models find runway stressful but I love it.
TRC: What do you say to anyone involved in the modeling business and nude photo shoots? Do you adhere to a no-nude photo policy?
Dr. Ivan: I have never done nudity but I believe that if done artistically it is a beautiful thing. The human body is a miracle and appreciating it in every way, as long as it is tasteful, should be encouraged.
TRC: As a spokesperson, you represent many companies and their products. You have represented several nutrition and, sports and fitness products. Have you ever refused a product or company, based on poor standards or false representation?
Dr. Ivan: I have never been approached by a company with inferior prodcuts or ones I wouldn’t personally use. Lucky me!
TRC: Do you test any of the products prior to endorsement?
Dr. Ivan: Yes, I would never pitch something that I don’t personally find effective.
TRC: Tell us something about the wine business. Do you own your own vineyard? Your own label?
Dr. Ivan: I wish! My father and I love to experiment with making wine and beer. We travel to various New York vineyards where we get our grapes and juicesOnce back in PA we get to work tasting and testing all sorts of different blends.
TRC: If so, are any of your wines available at the retail/restaurant level?
Dr. Ivan: Nope… just for friends and family.
TRC: You are involved with several community projects and volunteer programs such as Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House, as well as membership on several different boards. Tell us about your most recent volunteer project. Do you travel often for these programs?
Dr. Ivan: Giving back is something everyone should do. I have been so lucky getting to where I am and love to help out wherever I can. The Little Lighthouse Foundation is a local children’s charity in Miami headed by a great group of philanthropists and it is always great to see what they are planning next!
TRC: You are a doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Would you please explain, what is involved with Osteopathic Medicine?
Dr. Ivan: Osteopathic Physicians combine traditional western medicine with a holistic and preventative approach. They view the body as a single unit composed of Mind, Body and Spirit which work together in a harmonious relationship. They receive the same education, perform the same procedures, and can prescribe the same medications that MD’s do.
Personally, I chose to pursue this form of medicine due to my upbringing and my involvement in the fitness and nutrition fields from a young age. My father is a chiropractor and thanks to his frequent adjustments I never had any issues with headaches or back pain growing up. Being involved in sports like hockey and bodybuilding I came to appreciate how exercise and proper nutrition can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. When it came time to make the decision on attending medical school I found the osteopathic approach of “prevention first” very appealing and decided to pursue a career in this field.
A key difference is that D.O.’s have the ability to perform manipulation techniques to bones and muscles which restore optimum structure and intern optimum function. This is termed Osteopathic Manipulation.
TRC: Your father is a Chiropractor. How much of an influence did your father have in your decision to go into medicine? Osteopathic medicine?
Dr Ivan: A lot. He is the reason I was so interested in the osteopathic field.
TRC: Did your bodybuilding career assist in your medical career decision, or vice versa? How difficult was it to be actively involved with competitive bodybuilding while attending school?
Dr. Ivan: Time management is something I have done rather effectively my whole life. Being able to plan ahead and set aside time to do things you are passionate about is a must when trying to enjoy life. If done correct you can many things.
TRC: How much of your medical practice revolves around holistic healing, sports training and alternative medicines? Do you specialize in professional sports medicine? If not, would you ever consider being a sports medicine specialist for a specific team or sport?
Dr. Ivan: My whole practice is based on these modalities. Preventative medicine should be a focus of every practitioner. I would love to become involved in sports medicine more but I do love where I am at currently.
TRC: What do you do for fun?
Dr. Ivan: Anything and everything. The most enjoyable thing I do though is actually photography. The hardest part is finding people who are as passionate about it as I am.
TRC: We read where you are interested in acrylics and writing. Have you ever sold any of your artwork? What are you currently writing? Have you been approached to write your memoirs?
Dr. Ivan: Yes, I have sold numerous paintings and I have also co authored my first novel… The Winemakers Dinner... which is a story based on my past triumphs and tragedies in love. I have found these two outlets extremely relaxing and mentally stimulating.
LINK to:The Winemakers Dinner
TRC: From your website:
Quote: The best cosmetic procedure is a smile.
TRC: Would you please explain the significance of this quote and why?
Dr. Ivan: Beauty is not solely about looks… personality is a large part of it. Smiling makes you seem much more inviting and pleasant to be around. I can jam all the Botox and fillers into someones face but with they don’t smile it is all for naught.
Quote: “I view life as a book that is constantly being written with the decisions we make every day. Some decisions create sentences while others chapters. We must take every chance we are afforded to create the most unique story as possible. I am currently writing the most inspiring drama, action, comedy and love story to date!!
TRC: I (Sandy) personally love and admire this statement. It speaks volumes as to your character and life choices. I wish everyone would adhere to such a belief. Would you please describe the ‘importance’ of this statement and why we should ALL apply this to our daily lives?
Dr. Ivan: Thank you. Life is a beautiful thing that most people take for granted. Every day is a chance to create a memory that will live with you for the rest of your life. People tend to wait for the weekend to go crazy or have fun which results in the majority of your life going to waste. I suggest taking every opportunity you come across because sooner or later they will run out.
TRC: Do you have any regrets?
Dr. Ivan: Everyone has regrets… if you don’t it means you have never lived. Would I change anything… absolutely not. I wear my regrets as battle scares of a life well lived.
TRC: What are you currently doing?
Dr. Ivan: Anti aging, cosmetic, and fitness based medicine in the sexiest city in the world… Miami Beach
TRC: Have you ever appeared in any big screen movies or television programs? If so, which ones?
Dr. Ivan: Not yet
TRC: Would you please tell us something about yourself, that we may not know?
Dr. Ivan: If I didn’t pursue medicine and modeling I would love to have become a chef or a photographer. These are my secret passions.
LIGHTNING ROUND
FAVORITE SONG: Lynard Skynard Free Bird
FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP: Pink Floyd
FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING: Screwtape Letters for the 4th time
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: In Miami Beach there are too many
BOXER, BRIEFS OR COMMANDO (we always ask) 😉 Depends on the day… and the situation
DARK OR MILK CHOCOLATE: Milk
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST VACATION: Christmas
DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER: Yes.. horribly
WHAT TYPE OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE: Jeep Wrangler and a Motorcycle!
STAR TREK or STAR WARS: Wars
FAVORITE COMEDIAN: Robin Williams
FAVORITE BOOK: Screwtape Letters
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE: Taking photographic pictures with someone who appreciates the simple pleasures in life just as much as I do 😉
WHERE DID YOU SPEND THE HOLIDAYS: In Pennsylvania with friends and FAMILY
Ivan, we would like to thank you once again, for your honest answers. It is great to meet the real person behind the professional. Please keep us up to date and let us know about The Winemakers Dinner. Looking forward to reviewing the book
CLICK HERE for Website: Dr. Ivan Rusilko
Classic rock streamed from the docking station where Ivan had plugged in his iPhone, but he was nowhere to be seen.
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