The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Hand Team provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and upper extremity. From common problems such as trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome to complex fractures, nerve conditions, and specialized reconstructive needs, the team brings together surgical, clinical, and rehabilitation expertise to help patients restore function and return to daily life.
At the center of the service is a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, advanced practice providers, clinic care coordinators, and hand therapists, each playing an important role in the patient experience. The team treats patients of all ages and collaborates with specialists across UAB and Children’s of Alabama when specialized care is needed.
“Our section takes an integrated, collaborative approach to patient care, with team members frequently evaluating patients together, discussing treatment options, and coordinating care with other UAB specialties and services,” said Ronit Wollstein, M.D., professor and section chief of Hand and Upper Extremity in the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “This multidisciplinary model allows us to provide comprehensive, efficient, and often ‘one-stop’ care, tailored to each patient’s needs.”
Alongside clinical work, the team is actively engaged in a broad range of research initiatives focused on advancing the field of hand surgery, improving treatment strategies, and enhancing patient outcomes.
Meet the hand team
Advanced practice providers
From left to right: Nickolas “Nick” Baker, PA-C, Jessica Balik, CRNP, and Andrea Boohaker, CRNPThe Hand Team’s advanced practice providers (APPs) are often among the first team members patients encounter. They evaluate finger, hand, and wrist concerns, order imaging, manage conservative treatment, and connect patients with a hand surgeon when needed.
- Nickolas “Nick” Baker, PA-C
- Jessica Balik, CRNP
- Andrea Boohaker, CRNP
Surgeons
From left to right: Rachel Aliotta, M.D., Karlee Lau Loftin, M.D., Mohamed Morsy, M.D., Erin Ransom, M.D., and Ronit Wollstein, M.D.The hand surgery team includes:
- Rachel Aliotta, M.D. | Hand and upper extremity
- Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Karlee Lau Loftin, M.D. | Hand and upper extremity
- Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Mohamed Morsy, M.D. | Hand and upper extremity surgeon; co-founder of the Peripheral Nerve Clinic
- Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Erin Ransom, M.D. | Pediatric hand surgeon; treats thoracic outlet syndrome in pediatric and adult patients
- Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Ronit Wollstein, M.D. | Hand and upper extremity surgeon; focus on research and treatment of finger amputations with prosthetics and serial casting research and treatment for adults with elbow and wrist contractures
- Professor and section chief of Hand and Upper Extremity, UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Together, the surgeons care for conditions ranging from common hand problems to complex fractures, nerve conditions, and specialized skin flaps and grafts. The team also provides specialized pediatric hand care and treats thoracic outlet syndrome in pediatric and adult patients.
Clinic care coordinators
From left to right: Patti Vernon, PSC II, Rachael Hendon, LAT, ATC, and Melissa Robinson, LAT, ATCClinic care coordinators help patients navigate the details of their care and serve as a key point of contact between patients and their surgeons.
- Rachael Hendon, LAT, ATC — Clinic care coordinator for Mohamed Morsy, M.D.
- Patti Vernon, PSC II — Clinic care coordinator for Karlee Lau Loftin, M.D., and Rachel Aliotta, M.D.
- Amanda Drummond, R.N. — Clinic care coordinator for Erin Ransom, M.D.
- Melissa Robinson, LAT, ATC — Clinic care coordinator for Ronit Wollstein, M.D.
The coordinators help manage appointments and surgeries, order exams, provide patient education, answer medical questions, and facilitate communication between patients and surgeons throughout treatment.
Hand therapy
Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that helps patients regain movement, strength, and function following injuries and conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and upper extremity. Hand therapy plays an important role in recovery after surgery and in restoring movement, strength, and function. The Hand Therapy Clinic is located within the Hand Clinic, allowing therapists to work closely with the rest of the Hand Team. The clinic treats patients referred from UAB as well as outside referrals from throughout the community and region. The integration of hand therapists into the care team allows patients to receive coordinated rehabilitation as part of their treatment.
The Hand Therapy team includes:
- Chris Smith, OT
- Christy Mann, OT, CHT
- Emily Strickland, OT, CHT
- Fidelis Makyao, OT
- Hannah Ingram, OT
- Kennedy Hawkins, OT, CHT
- Lee Darden, OT, CHT
- Linda “Diane” Coleman, OT
- Melesa “Lesa” Harvey, OT, CHT — supervisor
The team provides manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, Kinesio taping, dry needling, and fabrication of custom orthoses. Therapists also support patients recovering from complex fractures and nerve injuries.
Hand team updates
Over the past year, the section has continued to expand its specialized services and advance innovative approaches to patient care. Key developments include:
- Launch of the Peripheral Nerve Clinic, expanding access to specialized evaluation and treatment.
- Expansion of prosthetic fitting initiatives and research for patients with finger amputations, exploring new opportunities to restore function and improve quality of life.
- Development of serial casting protocols for adults with elbow and wrist contractures, broadening nonsurgical treatment options.
Looking ahead, the Hand and Upper Extremity Section will build on these advances through continued research and innovation, enhanced patient education, improved clinic workflows, and expanded access to specialized care for patients with hand and upper extremity conditions.
Inside Orthopaedics is a quarterly staff and faculty spotlight series. Each edition highlights a different group within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery by celebrating the people, partnerships, and dedication that make exceptional patient care possible every day.