Sam Shepherd is a Certified Hand Therapist as awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (USA) and graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration before completing a Master of Occupational Therapy at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.

During university, Sam studied a variety of health-related fields including human anatomy, occupational therapy assessment/interventions through the lifespan, and therapeutic adaptations. He also has clinical experience providing occupational therapy in aged care home settings.

Sam developed a passion for hand therapy during his final university clinical placement with Armworks Hand Therapy outpatient clinic. Sam believes his passion for hand therapy grew from a deep appreciation for the importance of upper limb function and the transformative impact hand therapists can provide in helping others regain their independence.

Sam strives to help patients return to their pre-injury levels by serving as a guide in regaining independence and quality of life. Specialising in tailored rehabilitation, he combines knowledge of current hand therapy research with a creative approach to patient care.

Outside of work, you’ll find Sam enjoying the journey of playing the bass guitar. As a musician himself, he has a special interest in rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries for performers.

Having previously lived in Portland, Oregon, USA, he remains a dedicated supporter of the NBA Portland Trail Blazers and his alma mater, the Oregon State Beavers. An outdoor enthusiast, Sam enjoys hiking through urban and natural environments while learning about local wildlife and culture.

You might also find him occasionally on the golf course, the tennis court, or enjoying a swim.