Q&A: Kate Hinchcliff, M.D.
Kate Hinchcliff, M.D., is an associate professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery with dual appointments in the Departments of Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery. As a hand surgeon and director of hand and peripheral nerve surgery at UC San Diego, she works closely with the health system’s rehabilitation services and Hand Therapy Program.
September 25, 2025 | Interview by Samantha Phan
What does it mean to be a hand surgeon?
I specialize in issues involving the upper extremity, including hands. The surgeries I perform include congenital and traumatic nerve injuries, broken bones, structural issues, carpal tunnel or trigger finger — the list goes on. I address the functional issues in the hand that are critical for patients’ daily lives. Because the hand is so important for daily function, we must make it work optimally when possible.
As a hand surgeon, how are you involved in hand therapy?
If I see patients in my clinic, we usually sign them up for outpatient hand therapy before they are scheduled to go into surgery. If we get patients through trauma or the emergency room, we work with inpatient and outpatient hand therapists while they are still in the hospital, so the patient has continuity of care after discharge. I work very closely with the occupational therapists at UC San Diego, particularly Amanda Fillmore, who I share a lot of patients with. I communicate with occupational therapists almost daily about patient rehabilitation and needs.
Why do patients often see an occupational therapist after hand surgery?
Regaining hand function after surgery can be a daunting challenge for patients, often complicated by pain, swelling, stiffness and other barriers. Occupational therapists are essential partners in this recovery process, guiding patients through safe and purposeful movement that directly impacts surgical outcomes.
Delivering this level of care requires more than just clinical skill — it demands a deep understanding of surgical procedures, anatomy, rehabilitation protocols, kinematics, and splint fabrication. The expertise of our occupational therapists ensures that recovery is not only safe but also aligned with best practices for long-term function and quality of life.
Tell us a little bit about the Hand Therapy Program at UC San Diego.
Our hand therapy program is one of the most valuable assets our health system. We receive a lot of complex upper extremity trauma, so our occupational therapists are comfortable caring for and rehabilitating injuries that would scare a lot of other occupational therapists. They are a well-trained, talented group of individuals who care a lot about the trauma, burn and all the diverse populations we see in our health system.
Why do you feel that cross-department collaboration is so important for hand surgery patients?
Cross-department collaboration is critical because the surgery informs how rehabilitation should go. The therapist and the surgeon need to have open lines of communication to ensure the appropriate protocols are being followed. Collaboration ultimately optimizes patient care and outcomes.
What are some of your goals for the hand therapy program?
Amanda and I share a vision for advancing our upper extremity care practice. For example, we’re excited to co-locate our clinics so patients can see both of us in real time. If I have a patient who needs occupational therapy, I can ask Amanda to look at the patient right away. Another goal is to build a support system for trauma patients with upper extremity injuries, including optimizing their care so they can move through the health system smoothly, and creating support networks so they can find others with similar injuries. I think this community building could be very powerful.