Meet Amber Smith, CMFFD

Say hi to Amber Smith, CMFFD. Amber is the Director at the Duke Center for Living at Fearrington, in Pittsboro, NC. She has been with the facility for 12 years working her way up the ladder. Amber started as an Exercise Physiologist, then moved up to Fitness Manager and then on to Director!

Amber has a BS in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also earned her Certified Medical Fitness Facility Director (CMFFD) certification from the Medical Fitness Association. Amber serves on the MFA Education Committee.

We caught up with Amber recently and here is what she had to say.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
No two days are the same. I see new faces and have new experiences every day. It’s important to me that I continue to learn and grow with each day and experience. We have a wonderful team at DCFL that supports each other on a daily basis as well as a very diverse membership that share their wisdom with me every day.

What led you to choose this field?
I decided to go into the fitness field while I was in high school. As a 10th grader, had never been to a gym or fitness center but decided to take an elective class that focused on strength training. After that first semester, I continued to enroll in that class every semester until I graduated. Getting to see the changes that a body can go through while actively participating in a well-rounded fitness program made me realize that I wanted to help others achieve their goals and live a healthier lifestyle. At that time I had no idea what medical fitness was or that it’s where I was meant to be but I’m so glad I discovered it.

What one piece of advice would you give to those just coming into this field of medical fitness?
Learn from those around you! If they have been in the field for a few years they have gained knowledge that you can use and made mistakes that you can learn from. Don’t just learn from those in similar roles but learn from a variety of facilities and positions.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my husband, go hiking with friends and my dogs, and visit new places. I love the beauty of nature and nothing beats a good view from a cliff or mountaintop!

Thank you, Amber and we’re glad you discovered medical fitness too!