IAMERS President Diana Upton noted: “the QMS forum was conducted so as to explore whether independent servicers and other stakeholders can come to a consensus on the appropriate quality management systems to successfully and safely service diagnostic imaging equipment. We can learn from each other. We are all about patient safety, and encourage all aspects of quality servicing — including manufacturer cooperation.”

Nationwide CEO and founder Rob Manetta welcomed the forum and personally led the attendees on a tour of Nationwide’s impressive facility. Nationwide, established in 1993, provides high quality reconditioned and used medical imaging equipment and servicing to hospitals, imaging centers and private medical practices. Its 117,000 square-foot facility includes warehouse space with a machine shop, spray booths, staging bays, loading bays and even two drive-through Bays. Rob took the time to discuss the steps his team uses to address patient safety, ranging from receipt of the equipment through reconditioning and storage. Of particular importance was the central focus on QMS in Nationwide’s operations.


The formal program began with Jim Goldner, president of First Source, moderating a discussion of the challenges and benefits of independent servicing. Jim’s team has been successfully providing an alternative source for training, technical support and parts to independent service organizations and in-house service groups. Jim also recounted a real-life challenge when, despite growing clients and success, First Source had to move away from servicing certain equipment when the manufacturer declined to provide A.I.A.T. information. First Source moved away from one manufacturer but has enjoyed a successful relationship with other manufacturers, who realized that they could bring more to the bottom line by working with the independent servicer. Jim also spoke of his current successful situation as a distributer of DR systems.

Julie Mardikian, senior compliance auditor for Oxford Instruments Healthcare, and member of the IAMERS Best Practices Committee, spoke about the need for training. “The importance of training within an organization is not only used as a foundation for setting goals or aid in meeting regulatory requirements, it is the integral backbone to provide our customers with the assurance that the personnel performing the services on the product have the reliability to exceed the quality and performance as expected through effective training.” Oxford’ service division specializes in providing reconditioned CT & MRI scanners for the medical industry. It has received ISO 9001 and 13485 certifications.

HTM Homepage