Dr Coughlan is a fellowship-trained orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon who treats both common and complex conditions of the elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers. She treats a wide range of conditions of the hand and upper extremity, including arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and injuries to the elbow, wrist and hand such as fractures, ligament tears, and tendon and nerve injuries. Dr. Coughlan learns from each patient how their condition impacts their ability to use their hands in their day-to-day life, work, and hobbies. Her goal is to come up with an individualized plan to treat her patients’ symptoms and help them return to maximum function. She is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled surgeon who cares for patients of all ages and stages of life with hand and upper extremity issues. Dr Coughlan hails from the East Bay and loves calling the Bay Area her home. She attended Stanford University where she graduated with Honors in Biology and played water polo on an NCAA championship winning team. She subsequently completed her medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine and her orthopedic surgery training at University of California, San Francisco. She pursued additional education and specialized fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at the prestigious Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center.
What Her Patients Say
july
"I recently saw Dr. Coughlan for a right wrist fracture, and I couldn’t have asked for a better orthopedic surgeon. She is caring, compassionate, and really takes the time to explain everything in detail, which made me feel at ease during every visit. Dr. Coughlan never made me feel rushed — she listened to all my questions and concerns and addressed them thoroughly. Her kindness and professionalism truly made a difficult situation so much easier. I highly recommend Dr. Coughlan to anyone in need of an orthopedic surgeon — you’ll be in great hands!"
Agnes P. July 2025
july
"Dr. Coughlan was very helpful in explaining my options and available for questions throughout the surgical process. My confidence in Dr Coughlan abilities and the outcome was 100%."
Stephen H. July 2025
july
"This office is very friendly and supportive. Dr Coughlan is very patient and made sure I understood the procedure she was doing and I was comfortable before she started."
Juanita C. July 2025
july
"Dr. Coughlin was very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. She listened to my concerns and gave me options for my treatment. She was not pushy on the decision I wanted to hold off on the injections, but I finally decided on my own terms. I definitely will recommend her as your orthopedic surgeon. Her staff and PA Shelby were also excellent."
Anna L. July 2025
july
"Dr. Coughlan is compassionate, explaining exactly what is going on. She is an excellent doctor."
Maile S. July 2025
june
"Dr. Coughlan and her staff are awesome, the staff is friendly and attentive. All members of her staff are well-versed in what need to be done and asked all the right questions. The doctor was very informative about all my options for all procedures that were on the table for my problem. All this combined with the friendly staff make an office visit easy."
Timothy B. June 2025
june
"My 90 year old mother is being treated by Dr. Coughlan after breaking both bones in her dominant hand wrist. Dr. Coughlan and her entire office staff have been fantastic. Knowledgeable, professional, and kind, they patiently discussed treatment options with us, helped us identify the best option given my Mother's unique circumstances, and have been managing her healing based on that plan."
Eric R. June 2025
june
"Dr. Coughlan is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. I was very appreciative with her communication style in laying out all of the options, what to expect for the recovery process and the time she took to ensure all of our questions were answered."
Jessica H. June 2025
june
"Dr. Coughlan is the most skilled and compassionate surgeon I’ve seen in years. After I fractured my radius during sports, she didn’t rush me into surgery—instead, she carefully evaluated my injury and laid out two treatment plans, clearly explaining the pros and cons of each. She encouraged me to do my own research and choose the option that best fit my personal and professional needs. The plan I selected offered a high chance of success, the surgery was virtually painless, and my recovery was remarkably swift. I’m truly grateful for her expertise, professionalism, and genuine care."
Lei Z. June 2025
march
"Dr. Coughlan is knowledgeable and personable. She evaluated and treated my painful thumb and made recommendations for the future. This is the third time I have seen Dr. Coughlan and I will return for any future hand issues."
Nancy B. March 2025
june
"From my very first visit, Dr. Coughlan and her staff have been great. My surgery was a success and I feel so much better. I highly recommend her."
Leah C. April 2025
feb
"Top notch care, from diagnosis to surgery and post-surgery with a positive, patient-focused attitude. Love it!"
Isabelle D. February 2025
feb
This was my first visit with Dr. Coughlan. I met first with her PA. She was wonderful, listened intently, examined my hand, explained the condition with drawn illustrations and options of treatment. Then the Dr. arrived, wonderful as well. Very thorough in her examinations and explanations. I opted for the injection, while not looking forward to it, she was extremely gentle and quick while explaining the process as she was performing it. I would not hesitate to have it again with her. Very impressed with their kind, thorough examination and treatment. A very positive experience.
Barbara C. February 2025
feb
I got lucky enough to be referred to Dr. Coughlan after an accident. She has been patient with me and takes the time to answer all questions. Having a doctor with such great bedside manner makes the world of difference. I trust her recommendations for treatment and ultimately had a successful surgery by her. Thank you. Dr. Coughlan!
Neha M. February 2025
feb
“Everyone was very friendly. They were very attentive and listened to my concerns
When Dr. Coughlan saw me she was thorough with my exam. She was genuinely concerned with my issue. She gave me a lot of information. She went through all my options. I was very comfortable with the entire process."
Kathy P. February 2025
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“Dr Coughlan is a really good doctor with excellent bedside manners. She performed a surgery to remove a ganglion cyst. Super knowledgeable and treated patient with kindness and respect. She answered all my questions to make sure I was comfortable prior to go into the surgery, and i never felt rushed by her. Highly recommend Dr Coughlan."
Mary C. February 2025
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“Dr. Coughlan is professional, very knowledgeable, thorough, pleasant, and a great listener. All the things you would want in a Doctor."
Jim C. February 2025
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“I appreciated the knowledge patience and understanding the doctor showed. Everything was explained so I could easily understand the procedure including before during and after the procedure. The after procedure notes explained in detail which I also appreciated being able to read and comprehend.”
Sean B. February 2025
Personal Notes about Dr. Coughlan
Dr Coughlan enjoys spending time with her family and staying active, whether that is through swimming and playing water polo or going on walks with her friends. She is also an avid baker and enjoys exploring new restaurants.
Practice Locations
Daly City and Burlingame
Specialties
Hand, wrist, and elbow surgery
Education & Training
Medical School: Stanford University
Internship and Residency: University of California, San Francisco
Fellowship: Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center
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