MOPs & MOEs

A few weeks ago we mentioned that the Navy provides pilots with human performance resources, but it turns out we were wrong! A common complaint in that community is "I've been told my entire career that I'm an athlete, but I haven't been treated like one." Our guest this week is a Sports Medicine MD who is working on several initiatives to bring human performance resources to the fleet.We'll forgive him for his past affiliation with Navy football. Commander Kevin Bernstein, MD, MMS, CAQSM, FAAFP is currently Director of Sports and Performance Medicine for Naval Special Warfare Group TWO in Virginia Beach, VA. He is also Chairman of the Human Performance Sub-Community for Navy Medicine’s Neuro-Musculoskeletal Readiness Community and Specialty Leader for Navy Primary Care Sports Medicine. He is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.He received his Bachelor of Science in pre-medicine with minors in biology and Jewish studies from the Pennsylvania State University, and his Master of Medical Science and Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed residency training at Naval Hospital Pensacola where he served as Chief Resident, and fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.After residency, he reported to Fleet Surgical Team SEVEN forward-deployed 24 months as staff Family Physician on 5 patrols augmenting medical support aboard 3 large deck amphibious platforms (LHA 5, LHD 6, LCC-19) in support of amphibious and expeditionary exercises in 7th Fleet.He then reported to Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, serving as Team Physician for 10 NCAA D1 teams including Navy football, Director for Public Health, Chair of the Medical Executive Committee, and Sports Medicine faculty for 5 GME residency programs and USUHS medical students.

MOPs & MOEs is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠powered by TrainHeroic!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To continue the conversation, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join our Discord!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We have experts standing by to answer your questions.This week's episode is just the two of us, and we're discussing a topic that we've referenced a few times on social media: Nazareth Syndrome. One of the simplest ways to explain this phenomenon is "nobody trusts the hometown kid." The origins of this idea are biblical (Jesus was rejected by his own community because to them he was just the carpenter they knew), but the applications are very practical. Have you ever seen a leader latch onto an idea from a guest speaker or outside consultant that their subordinates have been trying to explain for ages? That's because human nature makes us more receptive to these messages from outsides than from people we're too familiar.In this conversation we break down how this affects the military, and specifically how it plays out in human performance settings (both within teams, and between the teams and the units they support).

Dr. Rachele Pojednic, Director of Scientific Research & Education at Restore Hyper Wellness and a Stanford lecturer, dives into the science of human performance. She discusses the interconnectedness of holistic health practices with longevity, highlighting nutrition, sleep, and social connections. Rachele emphasizes the importance of effective science communication, advocating for infographics to bridge gaps in public understanding. She also critiques the impact of misinformation on health perceptions and calls for proactive health management over profit-driven solutions.

Dr. Rachele Pojednic, an expert in nutrition and physical activity from Restore Hyper Wellness and Stanford, dives into the critical gap between human performance research and practical application. She discusses the complexities of research funding, the hype versus reality of CBD, and the importance of rigorous studies on supplements. Rachele highlights the need for collaboration between scientists and practitioners to improve health communication. She also advocates for reform in physical education, emphasizing engaging methods to enhance youth health.

Dr. Rachele Pojednic, an expert in nutrition and performance, dives into the intricate balance of carbs and protein for athletes, debunking common myths about post-workout nutrition. She highlights the crucial role of lifestyle medicine in chronic disease prevention and discusses the unique roles of health professionals in ensuring effective physical support. Rachele also addresses communication gaps in healthcare and fitness, and emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition amidst popular diet trends, while exploring the rising interest in supplements like NAD.

MOPs & MOEs is ⁠powered by TrainHeroic!⁠To continue the conversation, ⁠join our Discord!⁠ We have experts standing by to answer your questions.This is a quick hits episode! Instead of spending an hour on a specific topic, we hustle through a series of hot topics that either address current events, add to previous episodes we've done, or just don't quite make the cut for a full episode of their own. These topics include:- Athletic Trainers in the military- The nomination of Casey Means for Surgeon General- The validity of the Standing Power Throw- Some concerns with the new combat standards- Are frequent changes to fitness standards a problem?- How the side shuffle got added to the sprint drag carry- Do alternate cardio events need full scoring scales?

MOPs & MOEs is powered by TrainHeroic!To continue the conversation, join our Discord! We have experts standing by to answer your questions.One of the classic problems with tactical strength and conditioning is that, unlike many athletic settings, you can't assume a common baseline level of fitness. Even in combat arms units, it's normal to have extremely wide ranges of fitness levels in the same unit. The same platoon might have powerlifters, distance runners, and gamers who would rather not exercise at all. In this episode Nate Palin joins us to share some lessons learned about navigating this challenge. He has coached diverse populations ranging from civilians to special operators, all of whom have influenced his current perspective. We touch on a number of important topics: Novelty in training can significantly impact engagement Barbells are not always the primary tool in tactical trainingEngagement and enjoyment are crucial for participation in trainingCoaching relationships are essential for effective training outcomesLifestyle conversations often take precedence over strict programmingReal-time monitoring can enhance training effectiveness and safetyPerformance programs focus on pushing limits, while wellness programs aim to elevate the baselineWellness and high performance are interconnectedTactical professionals have diverse roles beyond physicalityKnowledge sharing is vital for effective coachingMotivation is a leader's responsibility, not just a coach'sHard work remains the foundation of success in training

On the week's episode we're getting "clickbaity with integrity" in the words of our guest, Dr. Alyssa "Lyss" Olenick. Between her social media presence as @doclyssfitness and her powerhouse training business The Lyss Method she's a big deal as both a coach and a science communicator. We've been working on getting her on the podcast for over a year, and she definitely delivered. You'll hear about everything from her husband's hair journey to training for Hyrox to running ultramarathons. As far as credentials, Lyss has a bachelors in health science from Lockhaven University, a masters in exercise physiology from Western Kentucky University and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia where she looked specifically at sex differences and female metabolism. She also holds a CrossFit level 2 certification and she's a Certified Sports Nutritionist through ISSN.If you like what you hear, she offers a ton of great content including both free and paid resources. Training programs, a newsletter, blog articles, ebooks, and more.

In this discussion, MAJ Christian Wardynski, an economics instructor at West Point and former company commander, shares insights on his innovative reverse cycle PT for heat acclimation. He reveals how this strategy allowed his unit to avoid heat casualties during intense operations, while others faced significant issues. Topics include the challenges of training in extreme conditions, the role of nutrition and hydration, and the importance of effective leadership in implementing these changes. Wardynski emphasizes the need for adaptable training methods to enhance soldier readiness.

This one is a bit of a current events episode. We're diving into two hot topics in Army human performance:First we dig into the ongoing drama around cutting Athletic Trainers from H2F teams, including the efforts to reverse the decision. This touches on everything from contracting policy to the difference between measuring performance and measuring effectiveness. Embedded Athletic Trainers in military settings have some of the best evidence for effectiveness (including saving more money than they cost), but that's not always how decisions get made.Then we break down some of the changes from the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) to the new Army Fitness Test (AFT). Specifically, we take a look at the pros and cons of the Standing Power Throw and the the impact of switching select close combat jobs to sex-neutral fitness standards.We mentioned a few resources/links in the conversation, so here they are:Petition to members of Congress and senior military leaders to retain Athletic Trainers in the H2F programArticle from an infantry OSUT battalion commander highlighting the value of Athletic Trainers within H2FKristen Griest's speech at West Point Founders Day 2021, focused on sex-neutral fitness standards for combat roles