Like many companies on DOTmed, Conquest Imaging sells used equipment and replacement parts and performs repairs (in their case, for ultrasound machines). However, they also do something most companies don't: conduct training seminars that are open to anyone who can pay the registration fee, even their competition.

According to >Mark Conrad, the company's president, the training side of the business was integral to the early development of Conquest Imaging. Conrad had worked with Acuson on the research and development of the Sequoia product line, and while Conquest Imaging was starting out, he came across a lot of people who were looking for technical support for that system. First, he tried creating a 900-number line through which he offered that support, but soon came up with the idea for a training program, which had its debut in April 2002. The program really took off when GE, which as a multi-vendor service provider repairs not just their own systems but those of other companies as well, came to Conquest Imaging for help with training their field service personnel. As the program grew, Conquest Imaging hired people with expertise in other systems and researched trends in the industry (in part by using DOTmed as a source) to help further develop the curriculum.

Currently, Conquest Imaging provides classes on servicing Acuson Sequoia, Aspen, and XP128 systems, as well as ATL, Hewlett-Packard, and GE systems. The programs range from one-day sessions on ultrasound basics or dying product lines to a three-day course on more complicated systems like the GE Logiq 9. Classes cover areas such as operation theory, system block diagrams, the power supply, system cabling, networking, preventative maintenance, and other topics. While most classes are conducted at Conquest Imaging's corporate headquarters in Stockton, California, the training staff is willing to travel to conduct sessions in other parts of the country.


Mike McCurry leads a training session at Conquest's headquarters in Stockton, CA

The primary attendees are biomedical engineers from companies such as GE and Phillips or from hospitals. Even Conquest Imaging's competitors attend the seminars, although Conrad downplays this fact.

Extensive information on the classes can be found on Conquest Imaging's website, http://www.conquestimaging.com. The cost, while dependant on the type of class, is typically between $750 and $3,500 (for a "Combination Special" deal on a series of courses).

Conquest Imaging is a DOTmed Certified company and proudly displays the designation as a part of their training seminars.