Michael Crooks: A Visionary in Respiratory Medicine and Public Health Innovation

Professor Michael Crooks is not just a name in medical academia—he is a transformative figure in respiratory medicine. As a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Hull York Medical School and a Consultant at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, his work spans clinical care, public health initiatives, and cutting-edge research. With a focus on improving the diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma, Crooks has carved out a niche as both a compassionate physician and a rigorous scientist.

His leadership in projects like the SENTINEL Programme and the FRONTIER Project positions him as a leading voice in the UK’s battle against respiratory diseases. This article delves deep into his education, professional journey, research contributions, and the broader impact of his work in both patient lives and the healthcare system.

Early Education and Career Foundations

Michael Crooks embarked on his medical journey at the University of Dundee, where he graduated with honors in 2007. Even in his formative years, his commitment to excellence was evident. After completing his Foundation Training in Edinburgh, he moved to Hull in 2009 as part of the NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship—a competitive program to train future clinical academics.

In 2013, he completed a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree focused on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), researching the roles of platelets and the endothelium. This research set the foundation for a career that would blend scientific inquiry with clinical innovation.

Building an Academic and Clinical Reputation

Following his MD, Crooks was appointed an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at Hull York Medical School. Here, his interest expanded beyond interstitial lung disease to encompass broader challenges in respiratory health, particularly COPD and asthma.

His dual role—balancing academic responsibilities with hands-on clinical work—gave him a unique vantage point. He treated patients and identified systemic gaps in care, many of which he sought to address through structured projects and research initiatives.

Key Contributions to Respiratory Medicine

The SENTINEL Programme

One of Professor Crooks’ hallmark achievements is the SENTINEL Programme. This initiative targets asthma management by reducing the over-prescription and reliance on short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhalers. The overuse of SABA has long been linked to poor asthma control and environmental harm.

Through the SENTINEL Programme, Crooks spearheaded a systematic transformation in prescribing behavior across primary care settings. The program introduced data-driven auditing, clinician education, and greater patient engagement. The compelling results have led to better asthma control and reduced environmental impact. In recognition, the initiative won the Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year at the 2022 HSJ Partnership Awards.

The FRONTIER Project

Another ambitious effort led by Crooks is the FRONTIER Project, a collaborative effort between Hull’s respiratory services and pharmaceutical company Chiesi. Its goal? Identify undiagnosed cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly among high-risk individuals attending NHS Lung Health Checks.

By integrating early screening measures and spirometry testing, the project detected many patients who traditional diagnostic pathways had previously missed. These early interventions allowed timely treatment, improved outcomes, and reduced healthcare burdens.

Advancing Healthcare Through Technology

A consistent thread in Crooks’ career has been his embrace of technology to modernize respiratory care. From virtual respiratory wards to home cough monitoring systems, he has championed digital tools that allow for real-time tracking of symptoms, early detection of exacerbations, and better overall patient engagement.

His work on domiciliary cough monitoring—enabling patients to be monitored remotely for signs of worsening COPD—has attracted significant attention. This approach can prevent hospital admissions, improve quality of life, and reduce costs.

Driving Change Beyond the Clinic

Leadership Roles and Policy Influence

Professor Crooks extends his influence beyond research labs and hospital wards. He serves as Clinical Lead for the Humber and North Yorkshire Respiratory Network and chairs the Hull and East Yorkshire Respiratory Education Group. These platforms allow him to shape regional policy, standardize care practices, and ensure continued professional development for healthcare workers.

He is also involved with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Respiratory Health and the Taskforce for Lung Health, contributing valuable frontline insights into national health strategies.

Environmental Responsibility in Healthcare

Crooks is among a new generation of clinicians who recognize the intersection of medicine and environmental sustainability. His leadership in reducing the carbon footprint of asthma care through the SENTINEL Programme reflects a growing awareness that healthcare systems must evolve for better outcomes and ecological responsibility.

A Prolific Academic Voice

Professor Michael Crooks is a prolific contributor to academic literature, with numerous peer-reviewed publications. His papers often bridge the gap between clinical practicality and theoretical innovation.

Some notable publications include:

• Improving asthma care through the implementation of the SENTINEL programme
• Domiciliary cough monitoring for the prediction of COPD exacerbations
• Exploring the experiences of patients and carers dealing with COPD exacerbations

His writing is marked by clarity, clinical relevance, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Mentorship and Medical Education

In addition to his clinical and research work, Crooks is deeply involved in medical education. He teaches medical students, supervises postgraduate researchers, and contributes to national education standards in respiratory medicine.

His educational philosophy emphasizes real-world clinical application, critical thinking, and empathy in patient care. Students and colleagues frequently praise his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and passionately.

Personal Life and Interests

Despite a demanding professional life, Professor Crooks maintains a healthy balance with his interests. He is an avid musician, playing both the saxophone and the flute. Living in the Yorkshire countryside with his wife and two children, he enjoys the outdoors and values quality time with his family.

He also coaches an under-11s rugby team, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and youth development. His role as an England Rugby Certified Coach adds another layer to his multifaceted personality.

The Impact of Michael Crooks

Few professionals excel across clinical practice, academic research, public health policy, and education as seamlessly as Michael Crooks. His ability to bring innovation into traditional healthcare settings while always keeping the patient at the center makes him a standout leader in respiratory medicine.

Through initiatives like the SENTINEL and FRONTIER projects, he is improving healthcare for individuals and helping to redefine how chronic respiratory diseases are understood and managed across the UK.

As respiratory illnesses continue to burden health systems globally, the need for thought leaders like Crooks has never been more vital. His vision for integrated care, digital innovation, and sustainable practice is paving the way for a healthier, more responsive healthcare future.

Conclusion

Professor Michael Crooks exemplifies what it means to be a modern clinician: deeply informed by science, driven by compassion, and unafraid to challenge outdated systems. His work is a testament to how focused leadership and strategic innovation can lead to lasting change for patients and the entire healthcare landscape.

Stay informed and inspired—explore more stories of medical innovation and the people driving it forward.

FAQs

1. Who is Michael Crooks?

Michael Crooks is a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Hull York Medical School and a leading expert in treating and researching chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD.

2. What do Crooks lead the SENTINEL Programme?

The SENTINEL Programme is an initiative to improve asthma care by reducing over-reliance on SABA inhalers and promoting sustainable, effective treatment plans.

3. What role does Michael Crooks play in policy development?

He contributes to regional and national health policies through leadership roles in respiratory networks and parliamentary health task forces.

4. How has Crooks impacted early COPD detection?

Through the FRONTIER Project, Crooks helped identify undiagnosed COPD cases by integrating screening into NHS Lung Health Checks.

5. Is Michael Crooks involved in medical education?

Yes, he teaches medical students and trains healthcare professionals, blending clinical expertise with a strong commitment to mentorship.

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