Sam is an academic ST5 doctor in anaesthesia and expedition medic based in Manchester, UK. Her research interests are in the prehabilitation of high-risk surgical patients and the translational possibilities of studying human physiology in extreme environments, including high altitude and microgravity. Her MRes thesis focused on the effects of exercise on inflammatory profiles in patients undergoing cancer surgery. Sam is the current Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) Fellow, events lead for Trainees with an Interest in Perioperative Medicine (TRIPOM) and holds the UIAA Diploma in Mountain Medicine. She is a member of the working group for the UK analogue astronaut mission, investigating long-duration field care and risk reduction strategies.

Outside the hospital, she has volunteer roles with British Exploring, the Youth Adventure Trust and the Social Mobility Foundation, focussing on widening participation and personal development.