The evolution of contrast injector training for HTM/clinical engineering professionals mirrors the growth of Maull Biomedical Training LLC.
“In 2008, I was doing some industry research into what clinical engineering training was in demand but not being met,” said Stephen Maull, founder and owner of Maull Biomedical Training LLC. “That’s when I came to realize that the contrast injector industry was completely unrepresented in the training sector. I thought it was odd because I had worked on contrast injectors in the military.”
Maull served in the United States Air Force as a BMET and BMET Instructor for 11 years. He realized his expert military training could benefit others and have a positive impact on patient outcomes throughout the nation.
“Nobody, and I mean nobody, was providing training on these devices,” Maull said.
Maull thought it over at length before jumping in with both feet.
“After a couple of months of thinking and wondering and fretting about it I finally thought, ‘Screw it, I’m doing it.’ I’ve always been a leap before I look type, and I’ve also always believed we regret what we didn’t do more than what we did do,” Maull explained. “So, in the summer of 2008 I started Maull Biomedical Training and had a stomachache for a year.”
“Eight years later, we’re still going strong and growing,” he added.
A reason for the company’s success is that it is on the same page as health care providers when it comes to cutting costs and providing cost savings. He also provides a unique service.
“We don’t really have a direct competitor as there are no other companies that do injector training from custom written manuals,” Maull said. “The OEMs offer training on some of their injectors, but they are much more expensive than we are. Plus, if you go to the OEM for training you only get trained on their equipment whereas our training encompasses the injector models of multiple manufacturers.”
Maull Biomedical is able to provide very in-depth training on various product lines.
“We train BMETs on the principles of contrast injection (what it is, what it’s used for, and so forth) and then we teach them how to operate, PM, calibrate and repair the contrast injectors,” Maull said. “Nearly all of our training is hands on; we have about a two-hour lecture on the first day of class where we talk about medical imaging and contrast injectors in general. Once that lecture is finished, the students get on actual working contrast injectors where they learn to operate it, they perform a full PM using our custom written training manuals and PM check sheets as well as a calibration or calibration verification. We also go over the most common malfunctions with each model and the most likely fix. We currently have seven different models of injectors we provide training on, but we will be adding more injectors later this year.”
Maull’s idea to provide in-depth, high-level training online is the latest of his keen business ideas.
“We have taken our training to a place no other comprehensive BMET training has ever gone; completely online and computer based. If you go to our website and register (www.maullbiomedical.com) you can see the ‘Introduction to Contrast Injectors’ and operational training videos for all the models we provide training on,” he explained. “The first step is to watch the ‘Introduction to Contrast Injectors’ videos and take the in-video quizzes. Once they pass all the quizzes, they receive a training certificate stating they have successfully passed the Introduction to Contrast Injectors Training Course. Then, they can take the Operational Training Courses (online videos) for any particular model they wish. All of this training is free to anyone who registers on our website. Then, they can purchase the PM training software for each model they wish.”
“The PM software is best described as a comprehensive computerized PM check sheet with how-to videos for each PM step. We actually have a free demo version online that anyone can download,” Maull said. “After they have finished performing their first successful PM on that particular model they email Maull Biomedical a copy of the PM report that gets generated. Then, they get another training certificate stating they have been successfully trained on the PM and calibration/verification procedures for that particular model.”
Maull’s genius idea makes training convenient for everybody.
“What this allows is for you to get your contrast injector training when you need it and where you need it. No more travel and being away from your hospital and home for days,” Maull said. “The BMET can download this software and learn at their own pace anytime, anywhere. This is truly the best computer-based modality and model-specific BMET training in the world. If a BMET still wants a classroom setting for the training, we can still arrange that as well.”
A new website forum is another free tool Maull Biomedical offers.
“We have a very comprehensive troubleshooting and tech support section on our website that is model specific. If you are getting an error with a particular model injector you can search the tech support area for that particular model and error code to see what the most likely solution is,” Maull said. “Plus, any BMETs registered with the site are invited to contribute to the tech support forum based on the model and error code and what they did to correct the issue. As the years go on, our tech support and troubleshooting forums will become more and more comprehensive.”
Maull’s decision to provide training in 2008 has proven to be the right call for him and HTM professionals. The results speak for themselves.
For additional information about Maull Biomedical, visit wwwMaullBiomedical.com.
