An experienced diagnostic radiologist, Dr. Damon Deteso has worked as a private practice radiologist at Millennium Medical Imaging in Saratoga Springs, New York, since 2004. He has extensive experience with various medical imaging technologies, including computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasounds, X-ray imaging, and nuclear medicine procedures. His work for Millennium Medical Imaging brings him to five hospitals throughout the region. Dr. Damon Deteso supports a range of patient needs, from emergency room medical imaging services to outpatient procedures. He has further experience training artificial intelligence systems at Imagen Technologies. His work as a medical consultant emphasized AI interpretations of X-ray images. He has also published work, including an abstract presented by the Radiologic Society of North America.
Dr. Deteso earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. He completed his cross-sectional imaging training at the University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco General Hospital. He also holds a physics degree from Holy Cross University. During his time at Holy Cross, he joined the Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honor Society.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day has to start with coffee. Then I usually eat a light breakfast. I try to get some exercise at least three times a week at the gym, including weight training and 30 minutes of cardio. This will get me jumpstarted to tackle my work shift, which usually starts around 2pm and ends at 10pm. I’m a diagnostic radiologist, and I get imaging sent to my home from multiple hospitals for me to interpret. It’s a very busy practice, so the time usually flies. Then I catch up on emails from the day and be sure to get to sleep by 11. I think that having a consistent sleep schedule makes me the most productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I feel like I’m always brainstorming. Trying to think of ways to be more efficient and productive. I’ve been in private practice now for 20 years and have worked with many doctors with many different opinions. So, I think that in order to get your ideas to come to life, you have to be persistent but also be willing to listen. Compromise is a great way to begin to drag your dream into existence.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I think the technology of AI can have very exciting applications. It seems like it has exploded onto the scene and is getting better by the minute. It could be the most important technological development of our generation.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I definitely think getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night consistently is a huge help. There’s nothing worse than trying to work through a hard day when you don’t have energy.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would give a lot of advice to my younger self! Cherish each day. Hug your loved ones as much as you can. Travel – early and often. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff. And interact with your fellow humans as much as possible. Human connection is of paramount importance.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I repeatedly try to look at things from different perspectives. It helps you respect others’ opinions.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I usually try to walk away from the situation and get outdoors for a few minutes. Get some air. A quick 15-minute meditation can do wonders.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I think one of the most important ways to succeed in a career is to respect everyone’s contribution to the business. As a physician, I not only want to have good relationships with other doctors, but also support staff such as technologists and administrators. The success of a medical department is a team effort.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I think early on in my career I was too timid. Of course, it’s natural to have some fear and nervousness when you’re introduced to the field of medicine. I don’t think I was comfortable with the position I was in for a while, despite the fact that I was doing a good job and people generally trusted me. I learned that confidence is important, not just in your career but other aspects of life. It can help in interpersonal relationships, as well as your own mental health.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
In imaging, there are many software products that help radiologists do their job. The PACS systems we use (picture archiving and communication systems) are constantly evolving and provide us with a means of communicating results to referring providers and to patients. I use them on a daily basis and have become familiar with many different systems over the years.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle really speaks to me. It’s about being mindful of the moment. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. All we have is now. I’ve learned that your thoughts can really shape your life. Things like anxiety and stress have a difficult time existing if you are only living in the present moment.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
3 Body Problem. I enjoy science fiction. I almost perused a graduate degree in physics before I decided on medicine. This series deals with this subject quite a bit. It’s mysterious and creepy, but fascinating. It tells a story of alien contact, but not the peaceful kind. Makes you wonder if it’s ever possible in the future.
Key learnings
- Respect everyone’s role in the practice of medicine. It’s a team effort to provide the best patient care.
- Be open minded. Try looking at things from someone else’s perspective. You might learn something.
- Be attentive to details. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes a second set of eyes can save a life.
- Confidence is key. Be assertive but not overbearing and cocky. If you can find this happy medium, people will gravitate to you and trust you.