Samantha Cook

Samantha Cook is an Allied Health Professional researcher with a specialist background in critical care and respiratory physiotherapy. She developed her clinical experience across several major London teaching hospitals before moving to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, where she worked as a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in critical care. She now works as an AHP Researcher, combining clinical expertise with research focused on improving critical care and respiratory services. 

Her research focuses on respiratory physiotherapy, out-of-hours service provision, critical care rehabilitation, workforce development and improving research engagement across the allied health professions. She has led and contributed to national studies, qualitative research, service evaluations and multidisciplinary projects, with her work presented and published across critical care and respiratory practice. 

Through the Intensive Care Society Physiotherapy Professional Advisory Group, Samantha aims to strengthen the visibility, consistency and evidence base of physiotherapy within intensive care. She is particularly interested in supporting national guidance, competency and capability frameworks, and exploring the development of a professional accreditation pathway for physiotherapists specialising in critical care. She is also passionate about ensuring that policy, education and standards reflect the experiences of physiotherapists working across different services and career stages.

Alongside her clinical and academic career, Samantha is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and multiple-time European Champion. She is also England Director for the United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association, supporting the development, representation and participation of athletes across the sport.