In the specialized world of surgical equipment distribution, Hamp Bailey, President of HampMED, has carved out a unique position. His company is not just a vendor; it’s a boutique operation built on a foundation of deep product knowledge, high ethical standards, and a value-added consulting service that is revolutionizing how surgeons outfit their practices.
Ailm Magazine spoke with Hamp about his unexpected path to becoming a trusted industry partner, the critical shift toward hospital-grade equipment in the aesthetic industry, and the high-value consulting that transforms HampMED equipment purchases into a strategic practice solution.
Question:
What makes HampMED special, and how do you differentiate your service in a crowded industry?
Hamp Bailey:
HampMED is highly service-oriented, with a goal that extends beyond selling tens of thousands of products. Instead, we strive to know everything about the products we carry so that we can properly educate doctors. We operate as a boutique medical supply company, prioritizing personal relationships.
Our biggest differentiator is our ethical standard: I don’t believe in selling a product that I wouldn’t want to have used on me during surgery. We sell products that genuinely benefit the industry, which is why we specialize in recommending Mindray monitors. They are hospital-grade and significantly more reliable during sedation compared to other equipment on the market.
We provide top-quality, reliable products and personalized service across the entire facility, including: patient monitors, anesthesia machines, medical gas systems, surgery and consult tables, sterilization equipment, electrosurgical units, and a full line of emergency equipment and surgical instruments.
Question:
What initially drew you into the world of medical equipment distribution?
Hamp Bailey:
I began my career in residential construction and other industries, which provided a strong foundation in problem-solving and client focus. I was introduced to this field through a friend, and what I immediately saw was a lack of transparency and a lot of misinformation, especially surrounding critical anesthesia equipment.
In an environment where patient safety is paramount, many doctors were being sold unreliable, cheaper gear by large distributors who prioritized volume over quality. I recognized a massive gap in ethical guidance and real education. That desire to bring clarity and hospital-grade safety to a high-stakes environment is what truly motivated me and ultimately shaped the core, service-driven mission of HampMED.
Question:
What role does HampMED play in designing an operating room, and how do you help clients get what they need?
Hamp Bailey:
In oral surgery and aesthetic practices that perform deep sedation, there’s been a massive change in NFPA dental building codes since 2018. Offices now have to meet Category 1 standards, which are the same as those used by an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
The issue is that many distributors use outdated templates. I help surgeons avoid massive mistakes, which can cost six figures to fix, by ensuring their entire build-out is compliant. This is where the consulting becomes a hands-on service: I actively collaborate with architects, designers, IT professionals, and gas equipment installers to ensure that everything, from plumbing for a medical gas system to the proper placement of equipment, is executed correctly and smoothly. I stay current on all code changes and collaborate with all subcontractors to integrate the entire operating room for the client, ensuring quality for everything from monitors to lighting.
“Hamp has been nothing but amazing in my first-ever process of setting up my anesthesia equipment in my first office. Patient and pleasant would be two words to describe him. I never felt like he was there to ever force products on me, but rather educate me on making the right decisions and buys for my particular office. He flew out to help us put it all together, which I truly appreciated. The service was nothing more than Excellent!”
– Dr. Mohammed Ali Boukheir, Madison Dentistry
Question:
Does the increased regulatory scrutiny, such as recent debates on sedation problems, affect your business?
Hamp Bailey:
Anything that increases the focus on patient safety reinforces our commitment to ethical selling. When we look at major regulatory actions, such as the new, stricter anesthesia protocols in North Carolina, we see immediate validation for our position. These rules set by North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) now require a second qualified provider, a dedicated dental anesthesiologist or CRNA, to be present for certain deep sedation procedures, which means doctors must be using hospital-grade equipment for all procedures.
These policy changes are forcing facilities to meet higher standards, demanding better equipment and stricter facility planning. It helps us guide doctors toward higher-quality, compliant solutions, and the need for our compliance consulting becomes even more critical as we help clients stay ahead of these changing legislative and board standards.
Question:
What are the new areas of focus and upcoming product launches for HampMED?
Hamp Bailey:
We are launching a new anesthesia machine next year with Mindray, called the Mindray A1. More surgeons are adding anesthesia machines, but they don’t want to spend $50,000 if they only use it once a month. The A1 is a new, simplified machine with a smaller footprint that will sell for the price of a refurbished unit, complete with a three-year warranty. It’s a game-changer for safety and value in small surgical offices.
This consistent innovation is made possible by Mindray’s commitment to reinvest 10% of its profits in research and development (R&D), ensuring it remains at the forefront of medical technology.
This year, we expanded into the veterinary anesthesia line and recently sold our first monitor to the Georgia Aquarium. Mindray is a technological leader in the vet market, taking the same high-quality initiative they did with human products.
Question:
If you could give one piece of non-equipment advice to an oral surgeon or practice owner just starting their business, what would it be?
Hamp Bailey:
Don’t just rely on what one person tells you; talk to several different people and make sure that everyone is giving you accurate information. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. You want to work with someone honest, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring you have what you need, without wasting money on things you don’t. To succeed, you must be proactive and diligent in obtaining the right, verified information for your practice.
