Sam Clarke talks about how their own experiences as a young child made them determined to be the clinical specialist they wanted while going through hospital treatment and how this journey has led them to wanting to help others get better after injury.
Tell us a bit more about your career journey so far.
I trained as a nurse in Italy, graduating in 2017. Early on in my career I worked across general adult settings, including acute medicine and cardiological intensive care, where I gained experience managing complex patients.
Neurosurgery was an area I always knew I wanted to specialise in which led me to join St George’s Hospital, which has one of the largest neurosurgical units in Europe. I initially worked A&E and acute medical units before moving into paediatric nursing, eventually specialising in paediatric neurosurgery.
I spent three years working on a dedicated neurosurgical ward, supporting children with brain injuries, spinal injuries, tumours and complex congenital conditions. I later moved into paediatric intensive care (PICU), where I worked with critically ill children across a wide range of conditions.
What areas do you specialise in?
My primary area of specialism is paediatric neurosurgery, particularly brain and spinal injuries. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal trauma, brain tumours and neurological complications linked to major trauma. Working in a major trauma centre meant I often cared for children and young people following serious accidents, developing my experience in managing highly complex and acute cases.
I have a strong interest in making neurological and spinal conditions more accessible I’m particularly passionate about education and helping people understand what’s happening in their body and how they can actively support their own recovery.
Can you share an example of a complex case you’ve worked on?
Many of the cases I’ve worked on have been complex, but two experiences in paediatrics really shaped my approach.
One involved a teenager with a complicated medical and mental health background. She was strong-willed and often struggled to engage with care professionals. I built a relationship with her based on honesty and mutual respect and we worked together to get her better. She even wrote me a poem when she left, which I still keep. That experience reinforced how important it is to see beyond the condition and connect with the person.
Another case involved a young child with a brain tumour who remained under our care for a long period. I supported both the child and their family throughout their journey, and we built a lasting bond. They still keep in touch with me today.
For me, good paediatric care is not just clinical, it’s important to focus on the emotional too.
How has your personal experience shaped your approach?
As a young child I was in hospital quite a lot and I remember taking a dislike to the nurses and medical teams around me. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be the nurse that I would have liked looking after me.
Then in 2023, I sustained a spinal fracture following an accident at home, which had a significant impact on my mobility and ultimately meant I had to step away from my role in intensive care.
That experience gave me a completely different perspective. I went from being a healthcare professional to a patient navigating pain, uncertainty and loss of identity.
There were moments where I felt lost and unsure about the future. I had always been very active, and suddenly I couldn’t do the things that defined me, both personally and professionally.
I took time away from work to focus on rehabilitation, spending months rebuilding my strength through physiotherapy. That journey was challenging, both physically and emotionally, but it also reinforced the importance of the right support at the right time.
It’s a big part of what drew me to case management. I understand first-hand how overwhelming recovery can feel, and how valuable it is to have someone alongside you to guide you through it.
What key skills are needed to be a successful case manager?
Empathy is essential. Being able to truly understand what someone is going through and meet them where they are.
Communication is also key, particularly when working with children and families. You need to be able to explain complex medical concepts in a way that feels clear and accessible.
Advocacy is another important skill. Clients are often navigating unfamiliar systems, so being able to guide them, coordinate care and ensure they receive the right support is crucial. I know this through my own experience.
Finally, adaptability is vital. Every case is different, and you need to be able to respond to changing needs and challenges.
What attracted you to HCML?
When I saw the role I immediately recognised the value of what case management can offer and having someone on your side to guide you through recovery, coordinate care and provide reassurance during what can be an incredibly difficult time.
Since joining, I’ve been really impressed by the collaborative environment. Everyone is working towards the same goal – helping clients recover and get back to as good a health as possible. There is a strong sense of teamwork and shared expertise. For me it’s about knowing what you can do to get your client feeling better again and having the right resources and support to get them what they need.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a case manager?
For me it’s about being able to support someone during a really challenging period in their life and helping them see that there is a path forward. My own journey is testament to that and I can show them that if I can do it, they can too.
I’m passionate about empowering clients by giving them the knowledge and tools to understand their condition and take an active role in their recovery. Ultimately, if a client reaches a point where they feel confident managing their own health, that’s the best outcome.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I’m proud of the diverse experiences I’ve had throughout my career, from working in intensive care to specialising in paediatric neurosurgery. I’ve also been lucky enough to be asked to help contribute to some significant research projects, including supporting work around ketogenic diets for seizure management in paediatric patients. It has been incredibly rewarding to see this translated into practice and see the benefits.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy rock climbing, hiking and staying active, as well as more creative pursuits like writing and gaming. I also enjoy coding and building computers, which ties into my interest in how systems work, whether that’s technology or the human body, and how they interconnect.