Bylaws of the
Rhinoplasty Society of Europe
Article I
Name
01.
The name of this organization shall be “The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe”.
02.
The Society is listed in the register of associations at the municipal court in Stuttgart, Germany under registration number VR 720930 (Amtsgericht Stuttgart – VR 720930).
Article II
Mission Statement
The mission of The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe is:
01.
To provide a forum for exchange of information and ideas relating to the art and science of rhinoplasty.
02.
To promote and update education and research pertaining to rhinoplasty in order to inform the membership, the medical profession, and the general public.
03.
To insure the highest standards of professional skill and competence among Rhinoplasty Surgeons.
04.
To promote the highest ethical standards of professional conduct among Rhinoplasty Surgeons.
05.
To cooperate with other national and international organizations for the advancement of knowledge in the field of rhinoplasty.
06.
To produce an annual Scientific Meeting comprised of peer-reviewed presentations by Nasal Surgeons in Europe and other countries. The meetings will be open to members of the Society and their Plastic Surgical or Otolaryngologist or Maxillofacial guests and to trainees in one of these three specialties.
07.
To serve as a non-political organization dedicated to the study of nasal surgery, specifically designed and organized to minimize any inter-specialty differences. Actions that indicate or imply artificial standards or hierarchies among members and/or other surgeons are contrary to the philosophical intent of the organization.
Article III
Membership
01. Membership
Membership is a privilege that is accorded by “The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe” to persons who meet the qualifications established hereafter.
02. Variety of membership
There shall be four membership categories including Founding member, Full member, Associate member and Honorary member.
03. Founding member
The Founding Members shall encompass those members who organized and established ‘’The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe“. Founding Members have the rights and duties of Full members.
04. Full member
A: Requirements for Full Membership
Persons who are board certified in Plastic, ENT, Maxillofacial Surgery or equivalent by the national recognized deputed authority (European and else).
Active interest in rhinoplasty as documented to the satisfaction of the Membership Committee by the submission of a verifiable CV and satisfactory ethical Status. Under some specific circumstances, and at the discretion of the Membership Committee, applicants may be recommended for Full Membership based on exceptional merit as demonstrated by contributions to teaching, writing, and outstanding contributions in rhinoplasty.
In order to maintain the Full Member Status attendance to at least one General Assembly of ‘’The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe“ is required within a three (3) consecutive years period.
B: Voting privileges
Each member has the right to one vote at any membership meeting during the year for which he/she is a member in good standing, each member in good standing may hold office and serve on a committee of the Society.
C: Fees
Full and Associate members will pay annual dues at the yearly rate which can be modified by the Assembly.
05. Associate member
A: Requirements for Associate Membership
Persons who are training in Plastic, ENT or Maxillofacial Surgery with written proof of Resident Status. At the end of the training period, Associate Members must apply for Full membership status.
B: Voting privileges
Associate members may not vote nor serve on committees. They may attend meetings of the Society and will receive all communications from the Society.
C: Fees
Associate members will pay annual dues at the yearly rate which can be modified by the General Assembly.
06. Honorary member
A: Requirements for Honorary Membership
The Board of Directors may confer honorary membership upon persons who attained widely recognized prominence by his/her contribution to the advancement of rhinoplasty.
B: Voting privileges
Honorary Members may not vote at General Assemblies, but may serve on committees and may exercise such voting privileges concerning and limited to committee business.
C: Fees
Honorary members are exempt from dues but are responsible for registration fees at meetings or any other activities to which they participate.
07. Admissions
All applications for admission in one of the Member categories must be made through the Society website or by direct submission of the application form. All applications must include the candidate´s CV. Following submission of the application, the applicant´s name will first be circulated by mail among all members so as to assess any possible objection. If no objection is received within two weeks, the application is transferred to the Membership Committee for approval. If an objection is received, such objection will be duly evaluated by the Membership Committee to verify its grounds and relevance. The names of new Members will be announced during the Annual General Assembly.
08. Loss of membership
1. Annual Dues Obligation
Annual dues are an obligation of Full and Associate Membership. An individual who fails to pay annual dues shall be automatically dropped from the membership. Such an individual is to have had at least two statements of dues sent to him/her and is to have been notified by letter or e-mail of his/her pending removal from the membership rolls. Members dropped from membership for non-payment of dues may reapply for membership under the same modalities as that for a new member.
2. Ethical reasons
An individual shall lose their membership due to ethical violations like behaviors directed against the “Rhinoplasty Society of Europe” or against individual members, based on their skin color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or defamation and insulting the dignity of others. Defamation can be by word, writing or behavior. The individual case must be heard before the ExCo with evidence. The ExCo can remove the membership of an individual with immediate effect by a 2/3 majority.
09. Reinstatement
Reinstatement may be granted to a suspended member only upon full correction of the circumstances that resulted in suspension. Reinstatement and the reapplication process will depend on the circumstances of resignation.
10. Resignation/termination
Members may resign from the The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe on due notification to the Board of Directors. Automatic termination will apply to members who are delinquent in payment of annual fees as previously described
Article IV
Officers
01. Officers
The officers of the Society shall be the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Together with the Immediate Past-President they shall serve as Executive Committee (ExCo) on the Board of Directors.
02. Removal/Resignation
An officer of the Society may be removed from his/her position by a two-third (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors present and voting, with just cause having been established. Written notice of resignation may be submitted to the Board of Directors at any time.
03. Duties/Terms of Office
Powers and duties of the Society’s officers shall be as follows:
President
1. Duties
The President must be a board certified Plastic Surgeon or Otorhinolaryngologis or Maxillo-Facial-Surgeon in good standing with the pertaining national professional society. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. Special committees not provided for in the Bylaws can be appointed by the President to meet the specific needs of the Society. The President and Treasurer are responsible for the supervision of the Central Office. The President can assign special duties, responsibilities, and/or liaison positions to the at-large members of the Board of Directors.
2. Term of Office
The President’s term of office is two years starting at the General Assembly and the President shall remain in office until his/her successors takes office. Under exceptional circumstances the term can be extended up to another year following the vote at the Assembly.
President-Elect
1. Duties
The President-Elect will perform such duties as the President may assign. Upon the President’s request, absence, or inability to act, the President-Elect shall perform all duties and exercise all powers of the President. The President-Elect chairs the Education Committee.
2. Term of Office
The President-Elect will automatically succeed the presidency upon expiration of the President’s term. The candidate for President-Elect chosen by the General Assembly shall take office as President-Elect when the preceding President-Elect takes office as President or if the office of President-Elect is otherwise vacant. Under exceptional circumstances as described above for the President, the term for the President-Elect can be extended up to another year.
Vice-President
1. Duties
The Vice-President shall perform all duties incidental to the office and any other duties assigned by the Board of Directors.
2. Term of Office
The Vice-President’s term of office is two years starting at the General Assembly and the Vice-President shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Under exceptional circumstances as described above for the President, the term for the Vice President can be extended up to another year following the vote at the Assembly.
Secretary
1. Duties
The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining minutes of the Assembly, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee meetings. He/she shall give notice of such meetings in keeping with the provisions of the Bylaws, complete a report of such meetings to the Society meeting, maintain a record of the names of the members, notify applicants of their election to membership and inform members of their appointments to committees. He/she shall perform other duties as assigned to him/her by the Board of Directors.
2. Term of Office
The Secretary’s term of office is two years starting at the General Assembly and the Secretary shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. The Secretary can be reelected.
Treasurer
1. Duties
The Treasurer shall have custody of all of the Society’s funds and shall collect the all dues owed to the Society from any source. He/she will disburse all funds as authorized by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all financial records, securities and other properties of The Rhinoplasty Society of Europe, and shall deposit all such funds in the name of the Society in such bank or depository as concerted by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer and President shall be responsible for the supervision of the Central Office. The Treasurer shall report the status of the society’s accounts at each meeting of the Board of Directors. Records and accounts shall be available at all times for examination by the Board of Directors or their approved representative.
2. Term of Office
The Treasurer’s term of office is two years starting at the General Assembly and the Treasurer shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. The Treasurer can be reelected.
Immediate Past-President
1. Duties
The Immediate Past President shall participate at all meetings of the Society, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors. The Immediate Past President shall serve in an advisory capacity. The Immediate Past President will serve as an ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee.
2. Term of Office
The office of Immediate Past-President shall be assumed upon the expiration of his/her office as President and shall expire with the expiration of the office of his/her as President.
3. Votings
During meetings of the officers, the Board of Directors or any committee the Immediate Past President is not entitled to vote. He shall serve as an advisory capacity or as a moderator in unclear items.
Founding President
1. Duties
The Founding President is a position bestowed specifically and uniquely to the founder and first President of RSE, Wolfgang Gubisch. This is a one-and-only post.
The Founding President shall participate at all meetings of the Society, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors. The Founding President shall serve in an advisory capacity.
2. Term of Office
The office of the Founding President is unlimited.
3. Votings
During meetings of the Officers, the Board of Directors or any Committee, the Founding President is not entitled to vote. He shall serve as an advisory capacity or as a moderator in unclear items.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the five Elected Officers of the Society and Immediate Past-President. The Executive Committee shall be chaired by the President. The Executive Committee shall specifically concern itself with the long-term goals of the Society and its members shall serve on the Strategic Planning Committee.
04. Vacancies
A.If the office of President falls vacant the President-Elect shall succeed to the Presidency and shall serve for the remainder of his or her predecessor’s term as well as for his or her entire term as President. The President-Elect cannot extend his predecessor’s term.
Where the President-Elect succeeds the President because the office of President has fallen vacant during the President’s term of office, the office of President-elect shall be considered vacant.
B. If the office of President-Elect falls vacant the Board of Directors shall appoint the Vice-President to that position until the election of a successor at the next Annual General Assembly. Where the Vice-President succeeds the President-Elect because the office of President has fallen vacant the office of Vice-President shall be considered vacant.
C. An immediate written vote of the Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy in office of Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer and the Officer so selected shall hold office until the election of a successor at the next Annual General Assembly.
Article V
Members at large
01. Members at large
The four Members at Large are members of the society in good standing that are appointed by the Officers (Executive Committee).
02. Removal/Resignation
A Member at Large of the Society may be removed from his/her position by a two third (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors for non compliance having been first warned in writing for failure to carry out duties assigned as below in § 3. A member at large may resign any time. Written notice (email) of resignation must be submitted to the President and Board of Directors.
03. Duties/Terms of Office
The activities and duties of the Members at Large shall be as assigned by the Executive Committee as pertaining to the priorities, goals and necessities of the society. They will also be part of specific committees and contribute the scientific activities of the society.
The term of office of a Member at Large is two years and shall be assumed with the appointment by the Executive Committee. The Members at Large shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Members at Large can be reappointed.
Article VI
Historian
01. Duties
The Historian will keep track of significant events and happenings in the history and development of the Rhinoplasty Society of Europe, together with bestowal of positions to members.
02. Term of office
The Historian’s’ term of office is two years. The Historian can be reelected.
03. Voting
During meetings of the Board of Directors , the Historian is not entitled to vote.
Article VII
Board of direction
01. Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of the five (5) Officers and four (4) Members-at- Large who will be appointed by the five officers. Plastic Surgeons, Otorhinolaryngologists and Maxillofacial Surgeons may occupy elected or appointed positions on the Board of Directors.
02. Duties
The Board of Directors shall formulate the policies and shall have general charge and control of the affairs, funds, and property of the Society. The President shall serve as Chair of the Board of Directors.
03. Removal/Resignation
A two-third (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors present and voting is required to remove any member of the Board of Directors, with just cause having been established. Written notice of resignation to the Board of Directors by any member of the Board may be submitted at any time.
04. Vacancies
Other than elected officers’ vacancies in the position of Board members shall be filled by a Presidential appointee with the approval of the Board of Directors. This elected Board member shall serve until the election of a successor at the next meeting of the Executive Committee.
05. Meetings
The Board of Directors shall meet at least annually and additional times also by scheduled conference calls as deemed necessary by the President or the Executive Committee. Interim matters concerning time-sensitive issues occurring between regularly scheduled Board meetings can be decided by a 2/3 majority of the Board members.
06. Quorum
Six (6) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum of any meeting of the Board.
Article VIII
Nominations & Elections
01. Nominations
Only full members in good standing are eligible for nomination and election to Board positions. To be eligible to serve as an Officer or Member at Large, one must be a Full member of the Society and in active practice at the time of his/her installation. Changes which occur in Officers’ or Members at Large’ status after installation shall be reviewed by the full board for a decision as to the propriety of his/her continuation in that office or position. A single slate of one nominee for each Officer position (President Elect, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) will be prepared by the Nominating Committee and submitted to the Secretary. The Secretary shall distribute the slate to all
Full members at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Business Meeting by letter or e-mail. Prior written consent to their nomination must be furnished to the Secretary by such nominees.
02. Elections
A.Officers
Asimple majority of voting members present at the General Assembly shall appoint all officers except the President. The President-Elect will succeed to the Presidency automatically.
If the extension of the service of the President is offered, simple majority of the voting members present at the General Assembly will confirm the President in office.
B.Voting
The method of voting shall be decided by the Secretary at the Assembly.
Article IX
Committees
There shall be the following Standing Committees of the Society; however, the President in his/her sole discretion may select to activate these committees or assign these duties to Board members.
01. Membership committee
1. Composition
The Membership Committee shall consist of three (3) Full Members appointed by the Board of Directors.
2. Term of Membership
The term of membership in the Membership Committee is two years and shall be assumed with the appointment by the Board of Directors. Any Committee Member shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Any Committee Member can be reappointed.
3. Duties
The Membership Committee shall receive from the Secretary all applications, submitted through the current modalities and processed as per Article 3 § 7. Inquiry and investigation into each applicant’s professional, ethical, and moral character shall be conducted by the Membership Committee where appropriate. The Committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for deliberation.
02. Nominating committee
1. Composition
The Nomination Committee shall consist of three (3) members (Immediate Past President, President and President-Elect). Immediate Past-President chairs the Nominating Committee.
2. Duties
A slate of one nominee for each position of officer shall be prepared by the Nominating Committee and submitted to the Secretary to be filled by election during the Business meeting.
03. Ethical committee
1. Composition
The Ethical Committee shall consist of three (3) Full Members appointed by the Board of Directors.
2. Term of Membership
The term of membership in the Membership Committee is two years and shall be assumed with the appointment by the Board of Directors. Any Committee Member shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Any Committee Member can be reappointed.
3. Duties
The Ethical Committee will function to safeguard the professional, ethical and moral conduct of members as well as investigate into any reported breach of such conduct. The circumstantiated result of such scrutiny will be transmitted to the Board of Directors for decisions regarding the investigated member. It functions as safeguard professional, ethical and moral conduct of members as well as investigate into any reported breach of such conduct.
04. Strategic Planning Committee
1. Composition
The Strategic Planning Committee shall consist of three (3) Full Members nominated by the Board of Directors and elected by the General Assembly.
2. Term of Membership
The term of membership on the Strategic Planning committee shall is two years and shall be assumed with the appointment by the Board of Directors. Any Committee Member shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Any Committee Member can be reappointed.
3. Duties
The Strategic Planning Committee shall devise and propose a strategic (Long- Range) plan for the Society, to consist of both short and long-term goals and methods of achieving those goals. The Committee shall meet at least once during the Society year to review the strategic plan and make any necessary amendments to the plan, and shall report to the Board of Directors the progress and/or obstacles to
the realizing the goals of the Society.
05. Education committee
1. Composition
The Education Committee shall consist of the President-Elect, and at least two (2) Full Members nominated by the Board of Directors and elected by the General Assembly. The President-Elect is automatic Chair of the Committee.
2. Term of membership
The term of membership in the Education Committee is two years and shall be assumed with the election by the General Assembly. Any Committee Member shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Any Committee Member can be reelected.
3. Duties
The Education Committee shall arrange the Scientific Program for the Annual Meeting and other scientific meetings and activities. The Chair shall also be in charge of coordinating any other committees or activities directly related to the Annual General Assembly.
06. Science and Research Committee
1. Composition
The Science and Research Committee shall consist of three (3) Full Members nominated by the Board of Directors and elected by the General Assembly.
2.Term of Membership
The term of membership in the Science and Research Committee is two years and shall be assumed with the election by the General Assembly. Any Committee Member shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Any Committee Member can be reelected.
3.Duties
To foster and conduct research related to innovations in rhinoplasty, so as to gather evidence base data which lead to clinical progress in the field. The committee will encourage experimental lab work in proper facilities as well as clinical projects and data evaluation.
07. Website Committee
1. Composition
The Website Committee shall consist of three (3) Full Members elected by the Board of Directors.
2. Term of Membership
The term of membership in the Website Committee is two years and shall be assumed with the appointment by the Board of Directors.
Any Committee Member shall remain in office until his/her successor takes office. Any Committee Member can be reappointed.
3. Duties
To monitor and continuously improve the website of the society also related to ethical interaction with social media. The committee will cooperate with the designated webmaster and Board.
Article X
Meetings
01. Annual General Assembly
The Annual General Assembly shall be held in spring of each year and consist of a Business Meeting and a Scientific Session. The Annual General Assembly may be combined as an appendage to an established Rhinoplasty Course run by a Full Member of the Society. The Secretary will mail each member notification of the time and place and expected agenda of the General Assembly at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of such Assembly. The simple majority of the members present is valid for voting within the Annual Meeting. Guests of members such as residents-in-training may attend only the Scientific Session of the Annual Meeting.
02. Special Meetings
Board of Directors
The President may call special meetings of the Board of Directors at his/her discretion, upon written notification of the time and place of such meeting mailed by the Secretary to each Board member at least thirty (30) days in advance. Such meetings may also take place as web-based conference calls.
Article XI
Fiscal policies
01. Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the Society shall be from January 1st until December 31st.
02. Application for Membership
Following receipt of an application fee in an amount determined by the Board of Directors, applications for membership will be processed by the Membership Committee.
03. Dues and Registration
The Board of Directors shall determine the amount of annual membership dues, which shall be due on the first day of the fiscal year. A registration fee in an amount determined by the Board of Directors shall be required of all members attending the Annual General Assembly. Honorary Members shall be exempt from payment of dues, but must pay registration fees for the Annual General Assembly. Residents allied health professionals, and non-member physicians may attend meetings upon payment of a prior set registration fee. In order to register for the annual meeting as a member, current year dues must have been received by the Society. Members whose dues have not been paid at the time of registration will be required to register at the non-member registration rate.
04. Delinquent Dues
Annual dues become due and payable on January 31st of the dues year. Dues not received by March 31st are considered delinquent, and two notices of delinquency shall be sent to the delinquent members immediately following the delinquent date. Delinquent members whose dues are not received by June 30th shall be summarily and automatically removed from the membership rolls without further action. Members dropped for nonpayment of dues may reapply for membership the same as a new member. In cases of extreme hardship or emergency, members may apply in writing to the Board of Directors for approval to pay their dues in installments over the course of the membership year. Such application must be made prior to the delinquent date of March 31st.
05. Reinstatement
At the discretion of the Board of Directors a member who is not in good standing as a result of non-paid dues may be reinstated by payment of both the delinquent dues and current dues.
06. Special Assessments
Funds may be procured by special assessment or other means approved by the Board of Directors.
07. Audit
The accounts of the Society shall be audited at the end of each fiscal year and at other times as deemed necessary by the Board in a manner determined by the Board.
Article XII
Amendments
Society Bylaws may be amended or repealed or new Bylaws may be enacted at any Annual General Assembly or special General Assembly of the Society by a simple majority vote of approval by the members in attendance, provided that due notice of the proposed changes shall have been sent to all members at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual General Assembly or prior to a special General Assembly of the Society. Amendments to these bylaws shall become effective upon adjournment of the meeting at which such amendments are adopted.
Article XIII
Dissolution
The Society shall use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and purposes set forth in these Bylaws. No part of said funds shall accrue to the benefit of or be distributed to the members of the Society. A dissolution of the “Rhinoplasty Society of Europe” is only possible by a three-fourth (3/4) vote of approval by the membership in attendance, provided that due notice of the proposed dissolution shall have been sent to all members at least ninety (90) days prior to the Annual General Assembly. Should dissolution or final liquidation of the Society occur, all assets remaining after payment of obligations shall be distrusted to one (1) or more regularly organized and qualified charitable, educational, scientific, or philanthropic organizations as may be selected by the Board of Directors.
Lawyers Memorandum
12.07.2022
Messaging and social media compliance request. Click HERE to download the memorandum.