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MARISSA ANDREOU
Student Dentist and IFBB Pro
Student Life & Academics:
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What inspired you to pursue dentistry, and how has your experience at UD Mercy shaped your journey so far?
From a young age, I have harbored a profound passion for helping others. I always envisioned a career that would allow me to make a significant impact on the lives I touched, and I believed that medicine was the path for me. However, as I grew older, I discovered an equally deep love for art. In my pursuit of a medical career, I often felt as though I was leaving a part of my heart behind as if I were an archer consistently missing the bullseye.
To reconcile these two passions, I took several gap years following my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan to embark on a journey of self-discovery. It was during this time that I encountered the field of dentistry. They say there are three types of work: a job, a career, and a calling. On my very first day shadowing at a dental practice, I knew I had found my calling. Here, I could seamlessly merge my love for science with my artistic sensibilities, transforming the lives of those who entered my clinic.
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As a student at Detroit Mercy Dental School, I am privileged to serve a diverse patient population, many of whom are underinsured or have never before seen a dentist. Welcoming them with genuine compassion and a heartfelt commitment to their well-being—some might say I care too much—has become the greatest blessing of my life.
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As a D3 student, the coursework and clinical experience are intense. How do you manage the academic demands while staying committed to your bodybuilding and coaching career?
I won't pretend it's easy. The days are long, and the mental challenges are matched only by the physical demands. In everything I do, I must prioritize my commitments as if they were sacred laws. My patients come first, followed closely by my bodybuilding career.
My mornings begin at 3 AM with 60 to 80 minutes of fasted cardio, and I arrive at my dental school clinic by 7 AM, where I remain until 7 PM. After returning home, I dedicate time to training, reviewing and writing my athletes’ programs, and preparing for the next day, all while adhering to a strict bedtime of 8:30 PM. Many believe that managing both a full-time dental education and a professional bodybuilding career is impossible; however, I see it as an opportunity for heightened attention to detail and accountability. There is no room for error, and the stakes are too high to ease off the throttle.
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What strategies do you use to cope with stress, especially during exams or clinical rotations?
I am a passionate advocate for therapy and the importance of carving out time for enjoyment. I feel incredibly fortunate to find solace in the gym, where my bodybuilding training provides a vital escape from the stresses of dental school.
“You don't have to be the biggest, you don't have to be the strongest, but you do have to be a hard worker and care about others physically and mentally. That person, that person is me, the future Dr. Marrisa Andreou,”
A young future Dr. Marissa Andreou
In a world filled with competing demands, we often overlook the essential need for relaxation. There’s a reason we are instructed to put on our own oxygen masks before assisting others on an airplane: without the strength derived from self-care, how can we expect to support those around us?
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Can you share a time when you faced a significant academic hurdle and how you overcame it?
During my senior year of undergraduate school, I faced a harrowing battle with depression. This debilitating condition led me to fail a course, leaving me feeling as though my dreams of a career in medicine had crumbled. However, everything changed the moment I stepped into the gym. It may sound trivial, but on my first attempt at squatting, I loaded the bar with too much weight and collapsed to the floor, unable to stand back up. Yet, I returned day after day, determined to improve. Months later, I faced that same weight again—and this time, I lifted it with ease. My inability to conquer that weight initially did not reflect my true strength; it merely revealed the resilience that lay within me. After retaking the course, I passed with flying colors. Each setback became a stepping stone toward success, illustrating that failure was not an endpoint but a necessary part of my journey. By pushing myself to my limits, I discovered the depth of my strength and potential.
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How do you balance studying with personal time for relaxation and mental wellness?
Your body requires rest, and if you neglect to schedule it, your body will demand it at the most inconvenient times. I intentionally set aside moments for self-care, for family, and even for those inevitable mental breakdowns. I cherish the time spent simply sitting on the floor with my cats, phone off, doing absolutely nothing. I treat these moments with the same significance as studying for exams or completing my training sessions—they are non-negotiable and essential to my overall well-being.
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Bodybuilding & Personal Interests:
As an IFBB pro and a coach, how do you integrate bodybuilding into your daily routine alongside your studies?
Balancing bodybuilding with dental school can be challenging, yet I believe this dual commitment enhances my performance in both arenas. I have navigated through periods of nutritional depletion and brain fog, taking my final exams during the same week as my competitions. My days often begin at 3 AM, allowing me to complete my cardio before embarking on a demanding 12-hour schedule.
I am fortunate to have an exceptional coach who tailors my training and nutrition to fit the rhythm of my dental school commitments. He strategically schedules intense bodybuilding weeks during my lighter academic days and incorporates rest on my more demanding ones.
I must also extend my gratitude to my boyfriend, Dr. Colin Brannagan, DDS, for his unwavering support. Colin, an IFBB Classic Physique pro who earned his pro card in his third year of dental school while managing clinical responsibilities, exemplifies the dedication I aspire to. Having someone by my side who understands the complexities of both my medical pursuits and my passion for bodybuilding—and who shares my dreams—is an invaluable source of encouragement.
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What motivates you to keep pushing your physical and academic limits, especially when juggling such demanding fields?
I continue to push forward because I understand the profound connection between my efforts and the positive impact I can create in the world. The harder I train, the larger the stage I can occupy; and the larger the stage, the more people will witness my commitment to pursuing both my dreams. Likewise, the more diligently I study, the greater my knowledge and experience will become, enabling me to provide better care for my patients.
I refuse to give up because I have promised myself to offer my best to anyone who enters my life. My resolve is further strengthened by my family’s legacy. My grandfather, my Papou, arrived in this country alone at just 12 years old, hidden on a fishing boat. He came with nothing and built a life for future generations. I couldn’t bear to look myself in the mirror if I were to give up or slow down, knowing the sacrifices he made for our family.
My parents inspire me every day. My father, driven by passion, works multiple jobs, rising before dawn and returning well after sunset, all without a single complaint. My mother has devoted her life to supporting children with special needs, selflessly ensuring they have the best possible future. Their unwavering dedication motivates me to strive for goodness in this world and to persevere, especially on challenging days.
Has your training or bodybuilding discipline helped you in any way in your dental studies?
Pursuing two highly demanding endeavors simultaneously requires immense focus and dedication. It compels me to remain organized and disciplined, as there is simply no room for last-minute efforts. In school, I prepare for exams and complete simulation lab projects well in advance, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.
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Do you find parallels between the precision required in both dentistry and bodybuilding?
I believe there are striking parallels between the precision required in both dentistry and bodybuilding. More importantly, both fields demand strict discipline and unwavering perseverance to achieve success. To excel, one must master the fundamentals; yet to reach greatness, you must push beyond your preconceived limits and venture into uncharted territory.
In dentistry, a great practitioner does not abandon a case when it becomes challenging; similarly, in bodybuilding, one cannot falter when the going gets tough. It is on those days when you must dig deep within yourself and push forward that you create the most meaningful impact.
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Challenges & Triumphs:
What has been your biggest personal triumph in both your dental and bodybuilding careers so far?
My greatest triumph to date has been completing my second year of dental school while preparing for the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition. This season has proven to be one of the most mentally and physically demanding periods of my life. In the two weeks leading up to the show, I endured rigorous dieting, intense training, and long hours of cardio, all while tackling over ten of the toughest exams of my academic career.
As I emerged from my final exam in oral pathology, I was overwhelmed and broke down in tears in the school parking lot. This experience tested me in ways I had never imagined, pushing me beyond limits where earlier versions of myself might have crumbled. While stepping onto the stage may have symbolized a finish line for the world, walking out of that final exam marked my true victory. I fought tirelessly to reach that conclusion.
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Can you talk about any challenges you’ve faced as a student-athlete and how you’ve navigated those obstacles?
As a student-athlete, I have faced numerous challenges, but I have also experienced many beautiful moments. Over the past three years, I have qualified for and competed in the pinnacle of bodybuilding—Mr. Olympia—three times, both during my first and second years and I am set to step on stage for my third competition on October 11th while currently in my third year of dental school.
The challenges of time management and traveling around the world for competitions are significant, but the most formidable obstacle I have encountered is maintaining cognitive function. To achieve the necessary conditioning for competition, I follow an aggressive diet that restricts carbohydrates. This leads to what is often referred to as "prep brain," a state characterized by decreased cognitive function due to nutritional deficits.
Navigating exam preparations and patient care while in this "prep brain" mindset has required considerable adaptation and practice. I focus on using food as fuel, scheduling meals with higher carbohydrate content before exams, or challenging procedures to ensure I am performing at my best when it matters most. I also study for exams early in the morning, when my mental acuity is at its peak, and I prepare months in advance to maximize my retention of information.
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Do you feel that your dual identity as a student and athlete ever leads to misconceptions, and how do you deal with them?
I have often been told, “You can do many things, but don’t expect to do them all well.” I have made it my life’s mission to challenge that notion. To me, the term “impossible” simply signifies the opportunity to be the first to achieve something remarkable. I aspire to be a role model for the next generation, encouraging them never to abandon one dream for the sake of another and to persist in their pursuits, regardless of others' doubts or failures.
I strive to lead with kindness and love, aiming to dispel any misconceptions through the strength of my existence. At the same time, I have a clear understanding of who I am and what I wish to accomplish: to enhance the lives of others. I remain unfazed by those who may not understand my journey, for I have a deep awareness of my purpose in this world. By staying true to that purpose and making a positive impact on those I encounter, I can take pride in the woman I see in the mirror.
Future Goals & Advice
What are your future career aspirations in both dentistry and bodybuilding?
Honestly, I don’t know. Life has a way of playfully undermining even the most carefully laid plans. My aim is to consistently take one step forward in a positive direction, trusting that wherever I ultimately land will be beautiful.
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What advice would you give to other students trying to balance their academics with intense personal passions or sports?
Treat your future self with the same kindness and consideration you would offer a best friend. If you knew a friend had an early morning, you would prepare their meals the night before; extend that same care to yourself. If your friend felt overwhelmed and needed a break, you would encourage them to take one. Show yourself the same love you freely give to others.
Always strive to overprepare and meticulously plan, leaving nothing to chance. Most importantly, just because someone else may struggle to achieve something doesn’t mean you cannot. Their limitations do not define your potential. Your passion and dreams are uniquely yours, and you don’t need anyone else’s approval to pursue them. Remember, it’s your life.
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Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your journey so far?
Absolutely not. Each time I step onto the stage, it feels as if I have reached the summit of a mountain after an arduous climb, watching the clouds clear to reveal my journey. I can see the path I traversed, recalling all the times I stumbled and fell yet refused to give up. I remember the moments when I took a wrong turn and had to exert twice the effort to keep moving forward.
At the summit, the most challenging parts of the journey become the most rewarding. Those are the moments when you truly define what it means to be yourself. Do you fall and give up, retreating with your tail between your legs? Or do you rise, despite the voices urging you to stop, and declare, “My name is Marissa Andrews, and today I will define what that means”?