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Alexander Y. Shin, M.D.

  1. Hand Surgeon
  2. Orthopedic Surgeon
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Departments

Specialty Groups

Location

  1. Rochester, Minnesota

Languages

English

Existing patients

Alexander Y. Shin, M.D., is an orthopedic hand and microvascular surgeon with specialty interest in complex upper extremity reconstruction. His clinical focus includes

  • Expertise in the evaluation and surgery of traumatic brachial plexus injuries (adults, children and babies), brachial plexus birth injuries as well as peripheral nerve injuries.
  • Expertise in the treatment and surgery of acute complex wrist fractures and dislocations as well as their sequelae.
  • Microsurgical reconstruction of complex bone and soft tissue loss.
  • Complex coordination of care and diagnosis of difficult upper extremity trauma.
  • Minimally invasive incisionless ultrasound guided carpal tunnel release.

In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Shin is active in stem cell research and education, providing mentorship to resident and fellows. He authors expert content and published in high impact scientific journals.

  1. Brachial plexus injury
  2. Carpal tunnel syndrome
  3. Cubital tunnel syndrome
  4. Distal radius fracture
  5. Hand arthritis
  6. Peripheral nerve injury
  7. Scaphoid fracture
  8. Scaphoid nonunion
  9. Ulnar wrist pain
  10. Wrist instability
  1. Brachial plexus reconstruction
  2. Carpal tunnel surgery
  3. Minimally invasive surgery
  4. Nerve graft
  5. Vascularized bone grafting
  6. Wrist reconstruction
  • Vascularized bone grafting
  • Reconstructive microsurgery
  • Wrist reconstruction
  • Brachial plexus injuries
  • Minimally Invasive Incisionless Carpal Tunnel Surgery
  • Hand Surgery
  1. 1997
    ResidentHand Surgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  2. 1997
    Fellow - Hand & Microvascular SurgeryMayo Graduate School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  3. 1996
    Resident - Orthopaedic Surgery Residency ProgramNaval Medical Center San Diego
  4. 1991
    Internship - General Surgery Internship ProgramNaval Medical Center San Diego
  5. 1990
    MDUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
  6. 1986
    BS - Chemistry, MathematicsCornell University

Certifications

  1. 2001
    Hand SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  2. 2000
    Orthopedic SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Awards and honors

  1. 2024
    Best Papers Session for "Validation of the root analysis score for C5 viability for pan-brachial plexus injury patients"American Society of Peripheral Nerve Surgery
  2. 2023
    Julian Brunner Award for Best Poster "ePoster 20: Voluntary Neuromuscular Control of Gracilis Free Functioning Muscle Transfer For Elbow Flexion: Spinal Accessory Nerve vs Intercostal Nerve (SPP0086)" "American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand
  3. 2021
    Annual Meeting ePoster 11: Combined Effect of Surgical Angiogenesis and Stem Cell Seeding of Acellular Nerve Allografts on Return of Motor Function in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect Model. American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  4. 2020
    Richard A. Berger Excellence in Teaching Award. Teacher of the Year, Hand Surgery Fellowship ProgramMayo Clinic
  5. 2019
    Mayo Clinic Resident Basic Science Research Award – The Jowsey Research Fellow Award. Vascular Patterns in Nerve Allografts in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect Model. Saffari TM, Friedrich P, Bishop AT, Shin AY. Mayo Clinic
  6. 2019
    Legacy Member of Academy of Educational ExcellenceMayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Academy of Educational Excellence
  7. 2018
    Top Annual Scientific Meeting Poster.American Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting
  8. 2018
    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Best Hand/Peripheral Nerve Paper Award for 2017American Society of Plastic Surgery
  9. 2017
    AAOS Achievement Award Program winnerAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  10. 2014
    Top 3 Poster Award at the Symposium on Experimental Research Surgical Specialties. Dutch Symposium
  11. 2014
    Recipient of the Ronald Linscheid-James Dobyns Excellence in Wrist Surgery AwardAmerican Society for Surgery of the Hand
  12. 2014
    Top Scoring Poster: Does Immediately Following a Dirty Case with a Clean Case Predict Infection? The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting
  13. 2014
    AAOS Achievement Award Program winnerAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  14. 2013
    Andrew J. Weiland Medal for Outstanding Research in Hand Surgery (Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Advancing the Field Through Research, Collaboration and Education)American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  15. 2012
    Tarek E. Obaid Research AwardMayo Clinic
  16. 2012
    Achievement AwardAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  17. 2011
    Julian M. Bruner Best Poster (Lee JY, et al. The effect of collagen nerve conduits filled with collagen glycosaminoglycan matrix on peripheral motor nerve regeneration)American Society for Surgery of the Hand 66th Annual Meeting
  18. 2011
    Best Scientific Paper Award (Dennison DG, Blanchard CL, Elhassan BE, Shin AY: Early Versus Late Motion Following Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures)American Association for Hand Surgery Annual Meeting
  19. 2009
    Mayo Hand Fellows Teacher of the Year Award 2008-2009Mayo Clinic
  20. 2009
    Best Resident/Fellow paper (Carlsen BT, Kircher MF, Spinner RJ, Bishop AT, Shin AY: Outcomes of single vs double nerve transfers for elbow flexion)American Association for Hand Surgery Annual Meeting, Maui HI
  21. 2009
    Hand Surgery Fellow's Teacher of the Year Award (Mayo Clinic Hand Surgery Fellowship)Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  22. 2008
    Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship (Thompson SM, Carlsen BT, Shin AY: Anatomic Variations of the Musculocutaneous Nerve)Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
  23. 2008
    Hand Surgery Fellow's Teacher of the Year Award (Mayo Clinic Hand Surgery Fellowship)Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  24. 2006
    1st Place winner in poster classification: Hand and Wrist (#237-Hoekzema NA, Bakleh M, Ali MH, Osmon DR, Shin AY: The Microbiology of Upper Extremity Agricultural Trauma)American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 73rd Annual Meeting
  25. 2004
    24th Sterling Bunnell Traveling FellowAmerican Society for Surgery of the Hand
  26. 2004
    1st Place Award. Category 3 (Case Reports). Naval Medical Center Academic Research Competition. Provencher MT, Baldwin A, Gorman J, Shin AY. Atypical tensile sided femoral neck stress fracturesNaval Medical Center San Diego
  27. 2004
    Best Poster Layout Award: Duncan SFM, Smith A, Moran SL, Shin AY. The Retrograde Radial Fascial Forearm Flap: Analysis of Five Cases.59th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, New York NY
  28. 2003
    Teacher of the Year AwardDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery
  29. 2003
    Teacher of the Year - Orthopaedic SurgeryMayo Fellows Association, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  30. 2002
    Runner-up, 2nd Place, San Diego: Provencher MT, Shin AY, Gladden MJ. The Underestimation of a Glass Laceration to the Hand.Naval Medical Center Academic Research Competition, Category 1 (Residency CIP Approved Projects).
  31. 2002
    Awarded Best Resident Paper by Dr. Marc Swiontkowski: Fitzgerald BT, Dao KD, Shin AY. Functional Outcomes of Submuscular Ulnar Nerve Transposition.Naval Medical Center San Diego, Orthopaedic Research Competition
  32. 2002
    Meritorious Service MedalUnited States Navy
  33. 2001
    John J. Fahey, MD, Memorial North American Traveling FellowAwarding Organization
  34. 2001
    Gerald W. Cady Research Award (Third Award). Awarded to the Orthopaedic Surgeon who contributed most toward Research during the Academic YearNaval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  35. 2001
    Chief Orthopaedic Resident's Award. Awarded to the Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon by the graduating Chief Residents for recognition of his dedication to the practice of Orthopaedic SurgeryNaval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  36. 2001
    1st Place Award: VanValin S, Shin AY, Kupfer F, Dao KD. Anterior and posterior interosseous nerve neurectomy in the treatment of chronic wrist pain.Naval Medical Center San Diego, Orthopaedic Research Competition
  37. 2001
    2nd Place Award: Shin AY, Johnson CN, Heindel LJ, Olson RL, Vacchiano CA. The addition of Ketorolac to Lidocaine intravenous regional block of the upper extremity.Naval Medical Center San Diego Annual Research Competition
  38. 2001
    Runner-up prize for “The Best and Brightest: Current Research in Surgery. Award-Winning Studies by Southern California Surgeons and Residents Paper Competition.”Co-sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and the San Diego Society of General Surgeons.
  39. 2001
    Winner, Residents/Fellows Award: Hofmeister EP, Mazurek MT, Dao KD, Shin AY, Bishop AT. Extension block pinning for displaced mallet fractures.American Association for Hand Surgery 31st Annual Meeting
  40. 2001
    Best Poster Presentation: Kuhn KM, Dao KD, Shin AY. Volar A1 pulley approach for fixation of avulsion fractures at the base of the proximal phalanx.American Association for Hand Surgery 31st Annual Meeting
  41. 2000
    Gerald W. Cady Research Award (Second Award). Awarded to the Orthopaedic Surgeon who contributed most toward Research during the Academic YearNaval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  42. 2000
    Mark B. Coventry Award - Best Resident Scientific Paper: Weinstein LP, Shin AY, Berger RA, Bishop AT. Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries: A Comparative Study of Treatment Methods.Mayo Clinic in Rochester
  43. 2000
    Excellence in Research Award: Johnson CN, Heindel LJ, Olson RL, Shin AY, Vacchiano CA. The addition of Ketorolac to Lidocaine intravenous regional block of the upper extremity.11th Biannual Phyllis J. Verhonick Nursing Research Symposium
  44. 2000
    Department of Defense Customer Service Award - Hand Surgery Clinic. Top 10% of Clinics in the Department of Defense, Fall Quarter 1999Awarding Organization
  45. 2000
    1st Place Award: Gorman JD, Shin AY, et al. Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Bone Scintigraphy in the Setting of Activity Related Hip Pain. ...Naval Medical Center San Diego Annual Research Competition
  46. 2000
    2nd Place: Gorman JD, Shin AY, et al. Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Bone Scintigraphy in the Setting of Activity Related Hip Pain. ...Navy Wide Annual Medical Research Competition
  47. 2000
    2nd Place Award: Shin AY, Bond CD, McBride MT, Dao KD. Acute screw fixation versus cast immobilization for stable scaphoid fractures: A prospective randomized study.Naval Medical Center San Diego Annual Research Competition
  48. 1999
    Gerald W. Cady Research Award. Awarded to the Orthopaedic Surgeon who contributed most toward Research during the Academic YearNaval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  49. 1999
    Zimmer 12th Annual Travel Awards Competition for Orthopaedic Residents. Detecting intraarticular incongruity: A comparison of plain radiographs versus fluoroscopy.American Orthopaedic Association
  50. 1999
    1st Place Award: Torok PJ, Flinn SD, Shin AY. Transthecal digital block at the proximal phalanx.Naval Medical Center San Diego, Orthopaedic Research Competition
  51. 1998
    Resident Paper Winner: Clinical Abstract: McDermott M, Buoncristiani A, Mills W, McCullen G, Shin AY. Detecting intraarticular incongruity: A comparison of plain radiographs versus fluoroscopy.Committee on Trauma, American College of Surgeons
  52. 1998
    1st Place Award: McDermott M, Buoncristiani A, Mills W, McCullen G, Shin AY. Detecting intraarticular incongruity: A comparison of plain radiographs versus fluoroscopy.Navy Wide Annual Medical Research Competition
  53. 1998
    1st Place Award: McDermott M, Buoncristiani A, Mills W, McCullen G, Shin AY. Detecting intraarticular incongruity: A comparison of plain radiographs versus fluoroscopy.Naval Medical Center San Diego, Orthopaedic Research Competition
  54. 1998
    1st Place Award: McDermott M, Buoncristiani A, Mills W, McCullen G, Shin AY. Detecting intraarticular incongruity: A comparison of plain radiographs versus fluoroscopy.Naval Medical Center San Diego Annual Research Competition
  55. 1997
    3rd Place Award: Best Resident Scientific Paper Presentation: McDermott M, Buoncristiani A, Mills W, et al. Detecting intraarticular incongruity: A comparison of plain radiographs versus fluoroscopy.Smith Nephew Richards 15th Annual Orthopaedic Resident Research Conference
  56. 1996
    Norman T. Kirk Award for Best Scientific Paper: Shin AY, Clapper MF, Morin WD, Puckett MP, Jones SB. The spectrum of abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging in the athlete with hip pain.Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeon's Annual Meeting
  57. 1996
    1st Place Award: Best Resident Scientific Paper Presentation: Shin AY, Clapper MF, Morin WD, et al. The spectrum of abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging in the athlete with hip pain.Smith Nephew Richards 14th Annual Orthopaedic Resident Research Conference
  58. 1995
    Certificate of Merit: Shin AY, Clapper MF, Morin WD, Puckett MP, Jones SB. The spectrum of abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging in the athlete with hip pain.American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting
  59. 1993
    Orthopaedic Section - 1st Place Award: Best Resident Scientific Paper Presentation: Shin AY, Hennrikus WD, Klingelberger K. Nitrous oxide and hematoma block in the reduction of pediatric fractures.American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting
  60. 1993
    National Defense MedalUnited States Navy
  61. 1992
    Navy Commendation MedalMarines
  62. 1992
    Fleet Marines Forces RibbonUnited States Navy
  63. 1992
    Overseas Deployment RibbonUnited States Navy
  64. 1992
    Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)United States Navy
  65. 1991
    Expert Marksman M19 MedalMarines
  66. 1991
    Expert Marksman M16A2 MedalMarines
  67. 1990
    Outstanding Physical Readiness Award (18 times)United States Navy
  68. 1986
    Graduation with distinctions in all subjectsCornell University
  69. 1986
    Merck Award in Chemistry for highest GPA in classCornell University
  70. 1986
    Phi Beta KappaCornell University
  71. 1986
    Phi Kappa PhiCornell University

Professional memberships

  1. 2024 - present
    MemberThe Mayo Hand Club
  2. 2024 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Alumni Association
  3. 2024 - present
    MemberZumbro Valley Medical Society
  4. 2024 - present
    Committee ChairBunnell Traveling Fellow Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  5. 2024 - present
    Honorary MemberNational Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología
  6. 2019 - present
    MemberSunderland Society
  7. 2017
    Course ChairMayo Hand Club, Mayo Clinic Rochester Societies
  8. 2017
    Course ChairAdvances in Brachial Plexus Reconstruction: A Surgical Skills Course, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  9. 2017 - present
    DirectorMicrovascular Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  10. 2016 - present
    Committee MemberAdmissions Committee, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  11. 2013 - 2015
    Task Force MemberInternational Relations Task Force, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  12. 2013 - present
    Honorary MemberSouth African Society for Surgery of the Hand
  13. 2012
    Program Co-chairAdvances in Brachial Plexus Reconstruction: A Surgical Skills Course, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  14. 2011
    Program Co-chairWrist Injury Course, Maui HI, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  15. 2011
    Scientific Program Chair5th Combined Meeting of the Japanese and American Societies for Surgery of the Hand, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  16. 2010
    Program Chair2010 Annual Meeting, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  17. 2010 - present
    DirectorEducation Division, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  18. 2009 - 2010
    Committee MemberAdmissions Committee, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  19. 2009 - 2010
    Committee MemberMembership Task Force Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  20. 2009 - 2010
    Task Force MemberMilitary Relations Task Force, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  21. 2009
    ChairMilitary Relations Task Force, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  22. 2008 - 2017
    DirectorMayo Clinic Hand Fellowship
  23. 2008 - 2009
    Committee MemberProgram Committee, American Association for Hand Surgery
  24. 2008
    ChairTraveling Fellows Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  25. 2008
    Course Chair2008 Annual Meeting Program Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  26. 2007 - 2017
    MemberHand Surgery Education Council
  27. 2007 - 2010
    ChairInternational Relationship Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  28. 2007 - 2010
    DelegateInternational Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand, American Association for Hand Surgery
  29. 2007 - 2009
    Committee MemberClinical Trials and Outcomes Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  30. 2007 - 2009
    MemberClinical Grant Review Team, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  31. 2007 - 2008
    Task Force MemberOrthopaedic Surgery Marketing Task Force, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  32. 2007 - 2008
    Task Force MemberEthics and Professionalism Task Force, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  33. 2007 - 2008
    Committee Member2008 Annual Meeting Program Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  34. 2007
    ChairComprehensive Review Course in Hand Surgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  35. 2007 - present
    Committee MemberTraveling Fellows Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  36. 2007 - present
    MemberCommittee Advisory Group, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  37. 2006
    Course ChairAdvances in Brachial Plexus Reconstruction: A Surgical Skills Course, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  38. 2006 - 2009
    Member at LargeCouncil, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  39. 2006 - 2008
    Task Force MemberMaintenance of Certification Task Force, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  40. 2006 - 2008
    Board MemberBoard of Directors, Junior Member at Large, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
  41. 2006 - 2008
    Board MemberBoard of Directors, Junior Member at Large
  42. 2006 - 2008
    Committee MemberProgram Committee, Board of Directors, Junior Member at Large, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
  43. 2006 - 2007
    ChairInternational Relations Task Force, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  44. 2006 - 2007
    Committee MemberResearch Task Force Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  45. 2006 - 2007
    Vice ChairProspective Clinical Trials Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  46. 2006 - 2007
    Committee MemberScientific Program Committee for Annual Meeting, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  47. 2006 - 2007
    Committee MemberJournal Committee, Board of Directors, Junior Member at Large, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
  48. 2006
    ChairHand Society Specialty Day, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  49. 2006
    Co-ChairmanComprehensive Review Course in Hand Surgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  50. 2005 - 2010
    MemberAmerican Orthopaedic Association
  51. 2005 - 2007
    Board MemberAmerican Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
  52. 2005 - 2006
    Committee MemberComprehensive Review Course in Hand Surgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  53. 2005 - 2006
    ChairSpecialty Day Committee, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  54. 2005
    Vice ChairHand Society Specialty Day, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  55. 2005 - present
    MemberAmerican Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
  56. 2004 - 2005
    MemberProfessional Advancement Committee, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  57. 2003 - 2016
    Co-DirectorMicrovascular Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  58. 2003 - 2004
    ChairEducation Committee, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  59. 2003
    Section EditorCarpal Disorders, Hand Surgery Update 3, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  60. 2003 - present
    MemberEducation Committee, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  61. 2002
    MemberHand and Wrist Committee, SICOT/SIROT XXII World Congress
  62. 2002 - 2013
    MemberAmerican Association for Hand Surgery
  63. 2002 - 2008
    Assistant DirectorMayo Hand Fellowship Program
  64. 2002 - present
    MemberEducation Committee, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  65. 2002 - present
    MemberCast Room Task Force Committee, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  66. 2002 - present
    MemberAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  67. 2002 - present
    MemberAmerican Society for Surgery of the Hand
  68. 2001 - 2003
    MemberTask Force: Hand Society's Developing New Products and Initiatives, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  69. 2001 - 2002
    MemberTask Force: Alternative Medicine, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  70. 2001
    MemberZumbro Valley Medical Society, Minnesota Medical Association
  71. 2001 - present
    MemberMinnesota Medical Association
  72. 2001 - present
    MemberMinnesota Orthopaedic Society
  73. 2001 - present
    MemberZumbro Valley Medical Society, Minnesota Medical Association
  74. 2000
    MemberAnnual Meeting, San Diego, CA, Carpe Diem Hand Club
  75. 1999 - 2001
    MemberOrthopaedic Research Committee, Naval Medical Center San Diego/University of California San Diego
  76. 1999 - 2002
    MemberAcademic Council, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego
  77. 1999 - 2001
    Committee MemberScientific Review Committee (IRB), Naval Medical Center San Diego
  78. 1999 - 2002
    MemberWestern Orthopaedic Association
  79. 1998 - 2000
    TreasurerCarpe Diem Hand Club
  80. 1998 - present
    MemberCarpe Diem Hand Club
  81. 1997 - 2002
    DirectorMicrovascular Surgical Techniques Course, Naval Medical Center San Diego
  82. 1997
    MemberMayo Cinic Alumni Association
  83. 1997 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Orthopaedic Alumni, Mayo Clinic Rochester Societies
  84. 1997 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Alumni Association, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Department of Education Administration
  85. 1997 - present
    MemberMayo Hand Club, Mayo Clinic Rochester Societies
  86. 1996 - present
    MemberSociety of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
  87. 1990 - present
    MemberAmerican Medical Association
  88. 1986 - present
    MemberPhi Kappa Phi Honor Society
  89. 1986 - present
    MemberPhi Beta Kappa Honor Society
  90.  
    Scientific Program DirectorAnnual Meeting, San Diego, CA, Carpe Diem Hand Club
  91.  
    Local HostAnnual Meeting, San Diego, CA, Carpe Diem Hand Club

Publications

Research activities

See a description of research activities.