Operation La Sierra

In our Department of Neurosurgery, which is in a tertiary care academic medical center, we have implemented a voluntary wellness initiative involving both faculty and residents.  This program encourages and educates participants in the importance of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep, among others, in a team-based approach with scheduled exercise sessions and team-building activities. 

The program, named “Operation: La Sierra” after the California high school that became famous for its physical education program in the 1960s, aims to increase awareness of the importance of a balanced lifestyle and provide support and resources to establish lifelong habits of personal health. 

“From the start, I knew La Sierra would be an important part of my training.  The program really breaks down barriers and allows you to see your peers and faculty in a different light, which I think has been very important to keeping up the camaraderie in residency.”  - Thomas Larrew, MD (PGY3)

News

• The Post and Courier: Wellness Rx for Doctors - MUSC Neurosurgery Department embarks on an usual health program
• Becker’s Spine Review: 7 Things for Spine Surgeons to Know

Publications

• Incorporation of a Physical Education and Nutrition Program Into Neurosurgery: A Proof of Concept Pilot Program
• The Importance of Exercise in the Well-Rounded Physician: Dialogue for the Inclusion of a Physical Fitness Program in Neurosurgery Resident Training
• Operation La Sierra: A Novel Wellness Initiative for Neurological Surgery Residents