At Duke Health, career growth is often fueled by guidance, support, and strong connections. For Amber Carpenter and Margie Rodriguez-Lopez, that connection came through a powerful mentor-mentee relationship – one that shaped both of their individual experiences while also strengthening the larger team.

Amber’s path of discovery and leadership
Amber didn’t always know where her career would lead. That changed during a visit to a lab in Virginia.

“They let me look at some slides and the instrumentation,” she reflects. “I'm good with people, but being behind the scenes and using my brain to put pieces together was just more beneficial for me.”

This personal discovery is what launched her career journey. She enrolled in an MLS program to gain the credentials she needed for a lab role. In 2018, Amber joined the Duke Health team in our clinical pediatric lab.

Amber quickly advanced through our clinical ladder, becoming a medical laboratory scientist. Leveraging Duke Health’s tuition reimbursement benefit, she pursued her master’s degree while continuing full-time weekend shifts to balance coursework.

During her last semester before her graduation, Amber accepted a role at our Morris Lab, drawn by its focus on bone marrow collection and testing. What she didn’t realize then was that this move would lead her to a mentor who would help shape her career and leadership style.

Margie’s journey: building a legacy

Margie’s love for laboratory science began early, through her initial path in pharmacy. Originally from Puerto Rico, she moved to North Carolina for the good weather and proximity to family.

After starting her career at a different hospital system, Margie heard about the incredible medical benefits at Duke Health – particularly the fertility support that would one day help Margie grow her family.

Her career with us has been dynamic and ever-evolving. After working in an entry-level role, Margie advanced to an outpatient lab role, later adjusting her schedule to care for her family – a transition fully supported by Duke Health.

“One thing I have loved about Duke is all the possibilities,” Margie shares. “If you want to learn something new, if you want to try a new area within your field, there is ample opportunity to move around.”

After stepping back briefly to care for her mom, Margie joined the Morris Lab, where she rose to a specialist role – and met Amber.

A bond forms

Amber and Margie connected immediately. They share a streamlined, team-first approach to their daily tasks and a mutual commitment to patient care.

“We go through those stressful times together, and we kind of feed off of each other. If she has to do something, I'll make sure I cover it and get it done, and vice versa,” says Amber. “We just kind of complement each other,” adds Margie.

When their supervisor retired, Amber pushed Margie to step into the lab manager role. Amber herself went on to take Margie’s previous role as analytical specialist, ensuring continuity for the team.

Leading with care and preparing for the future

In her new role, Margie prioritizes communication and well-being.

“I like to listen to all their needs,” Margie shares. “Their work-life balance and mental well-being are very important to me. I've been in their position. I can see their struggles, and even when I can’t solve everything, I keep trying.”

Beyond the lab, Margie fosters community by bringing the team together socially.

“We do get together occasionally outside of work,” Amber reflects. “Margie even threw me a baby shower at her house and invited everyone, which was so nice.”

Margie is also focused on preparing Amber for future leadership – a goal Amber has for herself.

“The best I can do is show her everything I'm doing,” says Margie. “I don't want to feel needed. I want to know that if I'm not here, the lab is going to function as smoothly as if I was here.”

Amber is grateful for Margie’s leadership and is already stepping up to the lead change.

“We're getting a lot of new analyzers specifically for chemistry. I'm responsible for a lot of that testing,” shares Amber. “With bringing on these new instruments, it's a challenge to yourself. Learn it and then teach everyone else.”

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