Fifty-six UAB Department of Surgery staff members collectively logged more than 3.3 million steps during a four-week wellness challenge in March, organized by the department's Access & Engagement Committee.
Creating the UAB Surgery March Step Marathon
The "March to the Finish Line" step challenge encouraged staff to track and submit their weekly step totals throughout the month. Participants who shared photos of their walks earned bonus steps, with additional credit for photos taken with a colleague.
"The energy and enthusiasm our staff brought to the March to the Finish Line Step Challenge has been nothing short of inspiring," said Tania K. Arora, M.D., vice chair of access and engagement for the UAB Department of Surgery. "The dedication of the participants has set a high bar and, quite frankly, sparked a bit of friendly envy among faculty — many of whom are already asking for a department-wide competition next year."
Collectively, the 56 participants covered an estimated of 1,580 miles, enough to walk from UAB's Boshell Diabetes Building to the Grand Canyon.
The Frontrunners: UAB Surgery Staff Step Champions
Rachel Ammons (Division of Pediatric Surgery) finished first overall with 338,789 steps. Ashlie Rouse (Division of Pediatric Surgery) placed second with 301,103 steps, and Ali Eakes (UAB General Surgery Program Resident) took third place with 288,267 steps. The competition was close throughout, with roughly 60,000 steps separating third place from fourth. Samira Crabb (Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery) and Brittany Vines (Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery) also earned honorable mentions.
Each week brought a different winner. Ammons and Rouse each claimed a weekly prize—joined by Camila Gonzalez-Arancibia (Division of Surgical Oncology) in week three and Leigh Hadley (Division of Breast & Endocrine) in week four. All weekly and overall prizes were wellness themed, including Owala water bottles, desk footrests, lumbar supports, foam rollers, and spa kits.
The committee plans to bring the challenge back next spring and, in the meantime, encourages all department members to keep integrating meaningful movement in their daily routines.