So much attention is given to our pro-players in top team sports and Olympic events, and we love getting to know them. However, this month we wanted to take a look at a dedicated, professional athlete that may not have come across your headlines just yet because he happens to have a day job that isn’t in the sporting public eye. Brad Schaeffer is a podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. Like the best superheroes before him, he is an incredibly fit individual who is doctor by day and monster Titan by night!

That’s right! This phenomenal, New Jersey foot doctor is a beast in the office and in the gym. He showed viewers an unbelievably competitive performance taking him all the way to the semifinals in "The Titan Games" on NBC. He competed against larger and younger contestants and held his own to the very end in an edge of your seat semi-final. Simply to be one of the 64 chosen contestants out of more than 100,000 applicants was an honor, and Schaeffer humbly found great satisfaction in this. He ended on high note saying it was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and that he was “happy with the whole thing.”

That’s a real life hero! Let’s get to know him better.

We must know, did you begin in team sports or was it extreme sports that first fascinated you?

Baseball was my first love! In fact, I was always in team sports and felt the urge to be the best no matter what team I was on. That was part of my competitive spirit/iron will.

That’s an interesting leap from athlete to podiatrist. Can you share a bit about your experience in navigating the two worlds?

As a foot and ankle surgeon in New Jersey, my main goal is to share my journey through medical school because it was not an easy road. Coming from an athletic background, I sometimes felt like a fish out of water in medical school and had a lot of struggles.

I want to be a sounding board for people who feel like they have no one to turn to in whatever field they are in. When we are outside sports, the world can be very singular, and I do not understand that mentality at all.

That’s a great perspective! Before medical school, did you want to be an athlete?

Yes. My father was always a driving force to get out in the yard and play ANYTHING! I grew up around a lot of kids and was encouraged to not be inside playing video games, to get outside and play anything!

So, is your father your inspiration? Do you inspire others the same way?

My father inspired me to become an athlete and always be the best version of myself. My advice for life, not just athletics, is and always will be PERSEVERANCE!

Well, we definitely saw that! Would you tell us about your fitness journey?

My fitness journey has always been about dedicating time and energy into high intensity interval training. I believe in shorter, more intense workouts. My journey started in my teens when I was able to build muscle to become a higher quality athlete and achieve my collegiate aspirations.

What about your process? Are there any must’s for planning your workouts? Do you have a favorite post-gym routine?

I feel that having controlled intensity and determination to get the best out of your time is the only way to go in any workout. My favorite post workout routine is a cool down, stretch routine and ice therapy.

As you know, we are big believers in ice therapy! Is this your primary mode of care if you are injured?

I feel that NSAIDS and ice therapy are my main go-to treatments if I suffer a minor injury. If it is severe, then obviously there is no substitute for rest and off-loading the injured extremity.

Alongside a strong workout schedule, what is your opinion on the importance of diet?

I feel that diet is so important! You can be in the gym 24/7, but until you fuel your body for success, you will never know your true potential.

Lastly, we just want to know a little about your competitive spirit and iron will. Do you partake in any motivational practices?

I get asked this question a lot, and I feel that the iron will is internal and can be developed sometimes but for the most part is innate.

Well you certainly have it. Thank you for giving us a look into your history and spirit. If you would like to know more, you can follow Brad Schaeffer @doctor.bradley