On this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Kannas, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who has taken a special interest in treating patients who have sustained traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Stephanie discusses the mechanism of injury, common surgical procedures, and the role of upper extremity therapists in restoring function for these patients. If you have questions or would like to use Stephanie as a resource, her contact email is [email protected].

Guest Bio:

Stephanie Kannas, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, is the Director of the Occupational Therapy

Fellowship Program, Coordinator of the Occupational Therapy Hand Fellowship Program and clinical lead occupational therapist in hand therapy at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. She is an assistant professor for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Stephanie serves on the AO North America Hand Education Committee and holds an Affiliate Member At Large position for the American Society of Hand Surgery.

Stephanie received her baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy in 2000 from the

University of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2016, she earned her post-

professional doctoral degree in occupational therapy and successfully completed the hand therapy elective track from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. She is a Certified Hand Therapist. She has over 21 years of experience at Mayo Clinic. The majority of her time has been focused on hand injuries varying from complex trauma cases while patients are hospitalized to outpatient therapy needs.