When it comes to advising his patients on the importance of healthy living, world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Masson is practicing what he preaches.

Just months after undergoing surgery himself, Dr. Masson climbed to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Dr. Masson has pioneered the least invasive spine reconstruction technique in the world and is an advocate for what he calls extreme recovery, which was helpful on the mountain.

Before and after the climb, Dr. Masson, who is the founder of the Neurospine Institute, kept his number one goal in mind: to get and stay in shape so he do more than just survive, he could thrive.

Learn more about his philosophy about the importance of taking your health into your own hands.