Ethical Concerns Raised Regarding Newly Admitted Surgeon Members
STS Bylaws Article III, Section 2 stipulates that the STS Board of Directors shall “establish a policy to govern how to handle any ethical objections raised by the membership regarding any newly elected Surgeon Member.” Any ethical objection raised by an STS member regarding a newly elected Surgeon Member shall be forwarded to the STS Standards and Ethics Committee for consideration according to established Society policy.
Lapse of Membership
STS Bylaws Article III, Section 9 stipulates that “the Board of Directors shall establish a policy governing lapses in membership as a result of members’ failure to pay any dues, assessments or other financial obligations after payment is due, and providing for the appropriate form of notice to be given to any such member.” For 2023, members shall be provided with a 6-month grace period for paying their delinquent dues (through the end of June 2023). Beginning with the 2024 dues cycle and going forward, members shall be provided with a 3-month grace period for paying their delinquent dues (through the end of March in the given year).
The Society shall routinely remind members of their duty under the STS Bylaws to provide the Society with “accurate and up-to-date contact information (including a functioning e-mail address).” At the discretion of the STS CEO/Executive Director, staff shall pursue various strategies to obtain accurate, up-to-date contact information from members who appear to be unreachable. Regular digital communications will be sent to all delinquent members reminding them of their obligation to pay their dues. At the discretion of the STS CEO/Executive Director, staff shall employ a variety of digital communication channels to reach such members, making them aware of their delinquency and the consequences of failing to pay their dues.
Membership Reinstatement
STS Bylaws Article III, Section 10 stipulates that “the Board of Directors shall establish a policy governing the reinstatement of members whose membership has lapsed.” For 2023, members whose membership is terminated for non-payment of dues on or around July 1, 2023, may be reinstated upon payment of their arrears within 2 months following their lapse of membership. Beginning with the 2024 dues cycle and going forward, members whose membership is terminated for non-payment of dues on or around April 1 in the given year may be reinstated upon payment of their arrears within 1 month following their lapse of membership. At the discretion of the STS CEO/Executive Director, staff shall use a variety of digital communication channels to contact members whose membership has lapsed, encouraging them to seek reinstatement while that option is available to them.
Approved by the STS Board of Directors: January 20, 2023, effective January 23, 2023