CHAPTER 1
A. NAME AND PURPOSES
Section 1.
The name of the Society shall be the Georgia Gastroenterologic and Endoscopic Society.
Section 2.
The purposes of this Society shall be exclusively scientific, literary and educational in nature within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The purposes and objectives of the Society shall include, but not be limited to, the promotion of knowledge in all that pertains to Gastroenterology, gastrointestinal endoscopy, the continuing education of the Society members, the sharing of common problems of those interested in Gastroenterology and gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the providing of a forum for presentation of scientific knowledge and research related to Gastroenterology and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Section 3.
No part of any net earnings of capital of the Society shall inure to the benefit of any member, executive committee member, officer, or any other private individual.
Section 4.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution and Bylaws, this Society will not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by (a) an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law or (b) an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or any other corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law.
CHAPTER II
A. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
The Society shall consist of Members, Life Members and Honorary Members. Physicians in training will be designated Associate Members.
Section 2.
Membership may be attained as stated in Article I, Section 2 of the Bylaws.
SECTION 3.
a. Upon attaining the age of sixty-five (65), a Member may become a Life Member and may enjoy all the privileges of the Society but shall not be required to pay dues.
b. Any Member who is incapacitated may become a Life Member upon application to and approval by the Executive Committee.
Section 4.
Honorary Members of the Society shall be elected from persons interested in gastroenterology or gastrointestinal endoscopy. Honorary Members shall have all the privileges of members except the right to vote and hold office, and shall be exempt from the payment of dues. Honorary Membership can be bestowed on persons who have been of special service to this Society and by a majority vote of those members present at the annual meeting.
Section 5.
Associate Members will not be required to pay dues and may not vote or hold office.
CHAPTER III
A. OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1.
The officers of the Society, who shall not succeed themselves, shall consist of a President, a Vice-President and a Secretary-Treasurer, all to be elected for a two-year term. The officers of the Society, together with the retiring President and three elected members at large shall constitute the Executive Committee. Prior to the Annual Meeting, the President will appoint a nominating committee consisting of one member of the Executive Committee and two members at large.
Section 2.
The Officers of the Society shall be elected at the last meeting of the calendar year.
SECTION 4.
Any vacancy in the Executive Committee may be filled by presidential appointment.
CHAPTER IV
A. ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1.
The Annual Meeting shall be held each year with time and place to be set by the Executive Committee.
CHAPTER V.
A. AMENDMENT
SECTION 1.
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Members present, provided a quorum exists, and provided that a notice of the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the Secretary six weeks before the annual or special meeting.
CHAPTER VI.
A. ADOPTED CONSTITUTION
Section 1.
The Constitution goes into effect 1 January following its enactment.
CHAPTER VII.
A. BY-LAWS
Section 1.
The Membership of the Society shall adopt a set of bylaws in accordance herewith, and the bylaws shall be amended as here and after provided.
CHAPTER VIII.
A. PROVISION FOR DISSOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY
SECTION 1.
In the event of dissolution of this Society, the Executive Committee shall, after paying or making provisions for payment of all the liabilities of the Society, will assure that residual assets of the Society will be turned over to one or more organizations which themselves are exempt as organizations described in sections 501 (c) (3) and 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or corresponding sections of any prior or future law, or to the Federal, State or local government for exclusive public purpose.
By-Laws
ARTICLE 1. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 QUALIFICATIONS:
(a) A physician graduating from a recognized Medical School with a degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy, applicants shall profess major interest in the field of Gastroenterology or gastroenterologic endoscopy.
(b) Certification or eligibility to sit for board examination in an appropriate specialty board, or
(c) All applicants must present documented evidence of formal training in Gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, gastrointestinal radiology and gastrointestinal pathology. Such training should be administered by physicians and/or surgeons during an approved residency/fellowship, meeting minimal requirements for training as set forth by their respective specialty boards.
SECTION 2 PROCEDURE OF ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP:
(a) Candidates for membership shall be nominated in writing and shall be endorsed by two (2) members and presented to the Secretary. Such a nomination should be transmitted to the executive Committee by the Chairman of the membership Committee. Upon examination of the credentials and if indicated, inquiry into the standing of the candidates, said candidates may be declared eligible or ineligible for membership.
(b) Eligible candidates shall be elected by ballot or voice vote when presented to the membership by the Executive Committee. The candidate shall be declared elected upon receiving three-fourths vote of the members present, provided a quorum exists.
SECTION 3 DUES:
(a) Annual dues of the members shall be determined by the Executive Committee and passed by a majority of the membership at the annual meeting.
(b) Any members in arrears for dues for one year after having been duly notified in writing by the Treasurer, forfeits his or her membership.
SECTION 4 RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP:
(a) Any member of the Society may resign at any time by submitting a letter of resignation to the Secretary.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS
SECTION 1 PRESIDENT:
(a) The President shall preside at all annual or special business meetings of the Society.
(b) Shall appoint all committees and be an ex-officio member of all committees.
(c) Shall be Chairman of the Executive Committee
(d) Shall perform all of the duties associated with office of President.
SECTION 2 VICE PRESIDENT:
(a) In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.
(b) In case of death, disability, or resignation of the President, the Vice President shall proceed to the office of the President. He should complete the term of the President or remain as long as disability of the President exists.
(c) The Vice President shall be Chairman of the Program Committee for each meeting.
(d) The Vice-President will act as the Society’s Representative for the Council of Regional Endoscopic Societies (C.R.E.S.).
SECTION 3 SECRETARY-TREASURER:
(a) Shall keep a written record of the proceedings of the Society and of the Executive Committee.
(b) Shall have charge of all of the Society’s property not specified elsewhere.
(c) Shall send notices at least three weeks before the date of each regular meeting to all members of the Society. Said notices should include the titles of the papers and other presentations with the names of their authors.
(d) Shall send a copy of all proposed amendments to the Constitution and/or bylaws at least three weeks prior to the date of the regular meeting.
(e) Shall submit a list of those names of candidates for membership recommended by the Executive Committee.
(f) Shall collect and receive all dues and assessments.
(g) Shall have charge of all of the Society’s funds.
(h) Make all disbursements approved by the President or Executive Committee.
(i) Shall make a financial report in detail and in writing at each annual meeting or more often if so requested by the President.
ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1 MEETINGS:
(a) Shall meet as often as interest and needs of the Society require.
(b) Four (4) members present constitute a quorum.
SECTION 2 DUTIES:
(a) Arrange the program of stated meetings.
(b) Constitutes a Board of Trial of all offenses against the Constitution and Bylaws or for conduct unbecoming an active member of Society.
(c) Shall have the power of recommending the censure or expulsion of any member.
(d) Shall have the power of recommending assessments deemed necessary for the Society’s welfare.
(e) Shall have the power to employ an executive director who shall be the administrative officer of the Society who will serve under the direction and supervision of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IV. EDUCATION
SECTION 1 PURPOSE:
(a) It is clear the objective of this Society is to promote continuing medical education for physicians in Georgia interested in Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
SECTION 2 ORGANIZATION:
(a) A Committee of Members known as the Continuing Medical Education Committee, appointed by the President shall consist of three (3) full time University Faculty Members, the three (3) officers of the Society and the immediate past President of the Society.
(b) The terms of appointment are five (5) years for the University faculty, two (2) years for the officers and two (2) years for the immediate past president.
(c) This Committee will meet at least two (2) times per year.
(d) The Committee is charged with full responsibility for the organization, direction, continuity and evaluation of the Continuing Medical Education Program of the Society.
(e) The Committee will keep minutes of their meetings and decisions made regarding C.M.E. or related subjects.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
(a) As stated in the Constitution, there shall be an Annual Meeting. There may be additional called or planned meetings at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
(b) Each member shall have the privilege of inviting guests to any meeting.
(c) Ten percent (10%) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.
(d) Any customary or parliamentary proceedings not covered by this Constitution and Bylaws shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE VI. GENERAL
SECTION 1
(a) Any of these bylaws may be amended, repealed or suspended by three-fourths of the members present, provided a quorum exists.