Myra Townes, supervisor in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, retired on Nov. 30th, 2022, after 39 years of service to Duke as a medical technologist and leader in the DUHS Clinical Laboratories. Myra began working in the microbiology laboratory as a clinical laboratory clerk in 1984 and served in many roles before becoming a supervisor in 2016. Over the years, Myra has been an advocate for staff and patients and a teacher of CLS students, laboratory employees, medical students, residents, and fellows.
Outside the lab, Myra is a writer, poet, and proud mother of three boys who are now remarkable grown men. After retirement, Myra plans to write at least one book about her journey raising her boys, continue writing poetry, and spend more time with her family.
“We will miss her,” said Christopher Polage, MD. “Please join us in celebrating Myra’s many years of laboratory service and wishing her well with her retirement and next phase of her life.”
“Working with Microbiology Lab team has truly been a blessing.” – Myra Townes
Photo credit: Steve Conlon, Photopath