Dr. Samantha Duncan

Professional Information

Dr. Samantha Duncan serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at Jacksonville University's Brooks Rehabilitation School of Health Sciences.

Dr. Duncan's extensive clinical background spans diverse occupational therapy settings, with particular expertise in trauma and critical care neurorehabilitation. Her clinical experience as an occupational therapist in a trauma hospital directly influenced her research trajectory, leading to her work with mechanically ventilated patients. This research examined practitioners' self-reported confidence levels and knowledge gaps, ultimately resulting in the development of targeted educational workshops and training materials to address this crucial clinical practice need. Before her appointment at Jacksonville University, Dr. Duncan served as adjunct faculty at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where her teaching expertise spanned courses such as applied cadaveric anatomy, biomechanical and orthopedic function, clinical and applied neuroscience, and adult neurorehabilitation. This is also where Dr. Duncan began her involvement with the Pro Bono Clinic, which provided students with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with community members while developing their clinical skills in a supervised, hands-on environment.

Her teaching philosophy centers on commitment to the scientific foundation of occupational therapy, emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and communication, and dedication to high-quality, student-centered clinical experiences. She actively pursues the development of community-based partnerships, recognizing their vital role in expanding student learning opportunities and fostering program growth. Throughout her work, she maintains a focus on individualized student support and the cultivation of professional relationships, understanding these as foundational elements for successful occupational therapy education.