Laurie Minarich is a board certified pediatric endocrinologist and hormone consultant for Team USA Physique. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in biology from Notre Dame College of Ohio, and then received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. In medical school Laurie fell in love with hormone signaling pathways and knew that endocrinology was her calling. She completed her pediatric residency training at the University of South Carolina, and went on to the University of Florida to complete fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology. At the University of Florida, Laurie received specialized training in metabolic disorders affecting glucose homeostasis and glycogen metabolism, and published original research in the field. She has had the opportunity to lecture nationally and internationally on the subject.

Upon completion of her training, she took a position at the Cleveland Clinic, where she founded the Glycogen Storage Disease program and provided care to hundreds of patients from around the country affected by rare genetic disorders of glycogen metabolism. Laurie now works as a “traveling doctor,” using her skills to meet the needs of patients in areas where there is more of a demand for medical care than there is supply.

Laurie has been competing in the bikini division since 2016. She earned a pro card with the Natural Muscle Association, and has also competed with NPC and OCB. She has been part of the USA Physique family since 2021, and under Chet and Natalie’s guidance has had several top 5 finishes in NPC national shows. She is engaged to Chris, who competes in men’s physique, and looks forward to getting married in 2024.