A Conversation with the Internet's Most Popular Doctor Smart, Charismatic, and Socially Conscious – How Dr. Mike Uses His Influence for Good

Mikhail Varshavski, better known to millions as Dr. Mike, is redefining what it means to be a doctor in the modern age. Not only is he a practicing physician in New York City, but he also runs his own charitable foundation, Limitless Tomorrow, which provides scholarships to promising students facing financial hardships. And let’s not forget – he was named Sexiest Doctor Alive by People Magazine.

Your journey to becoming a doctor was unique. Can you tell us about your path?

Unlike the traditional route in the U.S., where students complete four years of undergraduate studies before entering medical school, I was part of a seven-year accelerated program. This meant I spent three years in undergrad followed by four years of medical school. As a result, I became one of the youngest doctors at my hospital.

Social media played a huge role in my journey. While most people associate these platforms with entertainment, I saw an opportunity to merge medicine and digital outreach in a way that hadn’t been done before. Social media is often about selfies and trends, but I wanted to shift that focus to educating people about health and motivating aspiring doctors to pursue their dreams. Many young students feel discouraged from pursuing medicine, fearing they’ll have to sacrifice their social lives completely. I wanted to challenge that notion by showing that it’s possible to maintain a balanced life.

People Magazine named you the Sexiest Doctor Alive. What does that title mean to you?

It was surreal! Growing up, I wasn’t exactly a heartthrob—just your average kid who loved to study. So when People Magazine reached out, I honestly thought it was a joke. But once the recognition became official, I decided to use it in a positive way. My patients and I have fun with it—sometimes we take pictures, joke about it, but at the core, I remain dedicated to their health and well-being. It’s not about shouting, “Look, I’m the hot doctor!” but rather about using my platform to engage people in meaningful conversations about health.

With millions of followers on social media, how do you handle the attention?

When I started my accounts, I never imagined they would grow to this level. Initially, it was just a small space to document my life, but as the audience grew, I realized the importance of being intentional with my content. While I do pay more attention to things like grammar now, my posts remain authentic. I share real moments—my dog, my father, my everyday life—and people seem to connect with that honesty.

Some assume that because I’m a doctor, I must lead an ultra-serious, disciplined life without fun or social activities. That’s not true! My openness helps build trust with my patients. When they see me as a real person, they’re more likely to share personal health concerns, which allows me to provide better care.

Do patients ever fake injuries just to meet you?

Not really, but many do come in because they’ve seen me on social media. Since I focus on preventive medicine, people don’t have to wait until they’re sick to see me. They can visit when they’re healthy so we can discuss screenings and ways to maintain wellness. It’s amazing how social media has encouraged people who might otherwise avoid doctor visits to seek care. In some cases, we’ve even been able to catch and treat serious conditions like cancer early, simply because someone decided to come in after following me online.

You juggle being a doctor, a public speaker, attending major events, and engaging with your online community. How do you manage your time?

I do sleep! But I structure my day efficiently. If I have even an hour of free time, I use it productively—whether it’s reading, attending an event, or learning something new. Some believe that winding down means turning off their brain completely, but I find that actively engaging my mind is what keeps me happy and motivated. Pushing myself beyond my comfort zone—whether it’s public speaking or trying new experiences—keeps me energized.

How do you stay fit with such a demanding schedule?

First, I make fitness social. Having workout partners keeps me accountable—if I try to bail, they’ll call me out on it! Secondly, I mix up my routine. Doing the same workouts repeatedly leads to stagnation, so I experiment with new activities like rock climbing or tennis. Challenging my muscles in different ways helps me stay in shape while keeping exercise exciting.

Tell us about the Limitless Tomorrow Foundation.

One of my biggest passions is helping students who face financial barriers. While in school, I noticed that scholarships often went to the top 10% of students, but some incredibly well-rounded, driven individuals missed out simply because they weren’t in that percentile. That felt unfair to me. In medicine, I don’t just see “a diabetes patient” or “a cancer patient” – I see the whole person. I wanted to apply the same philosophy to scholarships.

We launched the Limitless Tomorrow Foundation to support students based on their potential and character, not just grades. Through fundraisers and social media campaigns, we’ve raised significant amounts, including $100,000 in a single charity event. Seeing the impact has been incredibly rewarding.

Do you think social media has helped you make a positive impact?

Absolutely! Social media is still evolving, and while much of it is driven by entertainment, we can use its power for education and awareness. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber dominate social media because they understand how to create engaging content. I believe doctors, educators, and professionals can learn from that.

For example, when I want to raise awareness for breast cancer, I don’t just film a boring PSA—I create engaging, sometimes humorous videos that grab attention while delivering a serious message. Blending entertainment with education is key to reaching people effectively.

Print media is transitioning into the digital world. What’s your take on this shift?

Traditional media still holds value. The best journalism and research often originate from established print publications before making their way to social media. That’s why I believe there’s room for both. A magazine like GQ has a strong online presence, but its foundation remains in print. The two can complement each other rather than compete.

How do you see social media evolving?

Initially, social media was just about sharing snapshots of life. Now, it has become a major advertising and information-sharing platform. My hope is that more influencers use their reach for meaningful causes—like raising awareness, supporting charities, and promoting education. Just recently, a breast cancer awareness event in New York raised over $3 million, largely because social media helped spread the word and motivate participants. If used correctly, these platforms can drive real change.

You moved from Russia to the U.S. as a child. Do you still visit?

I haven’t been back since moving to the U.S. in 1995. While Russia is my parents’ homeland, I consider New York my true home. However, I still speak Russian with my family and appreciate my cultural roots. Growing up with a mix of cultures has given me a broader perspective on life.

What life principles guide you?

Balance is key. You need to juggle work, social life, and personal well-being.

Know yourself. Whether it’s choosing a career, a hobby, or a life partner, self-awareness is essential.

Step outside your comfort zone. The only way to grow is by trying new things and challenging yourself. That’s how I discovered my passion for public speaking—it wasn’t natural at first, but now it’s something I love.

Any advice for young people aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t let others dictate your path. Explore, experiment, and discover what excites you. Only by pushing boundaries will you find your true passion and purpose.