By John Wallace
You are what you do? Kamlesh “DJ” Patel is an imaging informatics (PACS) manager, as well as a disc jockey on the side! Patel has his biomedical engineering technology degree, his technical management degree and will soon have his MBA.
“I started in the industry as a biomed and took every opportunity to learn about medical equipment and officially got into the ultrasound/imaging side about three to four years ago,” said Patel. “I attended many different training schools offered by various vendors. I know I wanted to get into management, so I pursued the degree. An opportunity came up at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, and I applied for it and was promoted to the new imaging informatics (PACS) manager.”
ICE learned more about this “Rising Star” in a recent interview.
Q: Why did you choose to get into this field?
A: I didn’t choose this field. This field chose me. An opportunity came up when we needed someone to learn ultrasound in our department, so I took the opportunity. I never thought of being in the imaging field. Once I entered the profession, it was a whole different world.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: I really enjoy learning new software and how I can use my talents to help others make their jobs easier, as well as fixing issues so they can do the proper job to help our patients. The best thing about my position is making sure I bring my team along with me so that everyone is properly trained and has the information they need to do their jobs most effectively. The most rewarding thing about my job is patient safety. It’s a blessing to be part of a team that everything you do will help someone do their job to help the patients.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: I am just amazed at the innovation of advanced technology that is being developed for imaging, and how that is being used to help and treat patients.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: I have found several bugs in some of the manufacturers’ imaging systems, and I have been able to quickly correct them with the manufacturer’s help. I have also dealt with issues with manufacturer’s, where they didn’t believe me when I found an issue, and it turned out to be a recall.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next five years?
A: Hopefully in the next five years, I can continue to progress upward in management, where I can help and make a difference for employees and patients. I love motivating people and listening to the ideas they can bring to the table.
