Constitution and By-Laws

Preamble

We, a group of dedicated ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons, imploring the aid of the Almighty; imbued with a common desire to establish, promote and conserve a subspecialty medical society in the field of ophthalmology in the Philippines; and to develop a more effective coordinated effort in enhancing and maintaining a high standard of medical practice among its members with a stronger bond of friendship, unity and camaraderie do ordain and promulgate this Constitution and By-Laws.

Constitution

Article 1: Name

Section 1. Name The name of the organization shall be the Philippine Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PSOPRS) which shall be referred to in this Constitution and By-Laws as the Society.

Section 2. Address The principal office of the Society shall be located with the office of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology at Unit 815 Medical Plaza Makati, Amorsolo street corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines or the address duly designated by the Board of Directors.

Article 1I: Vision

1. Leadership in specialty medical care and a dominant player in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through excellent service, training and research activities.
2. Membership recognition as the preferred partners of colleagues in the medical profession and trusted Ophthalmic and Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons by the general public.
3. Maintenance of dynamism in the organization characterized by rapid growth, progressive development and active participation of highly committed members.

Article 1II: Objective and Mission

The main objective and mission of the Society is to uplift the practice of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as the Sub-specialty Society of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology. Including:

1. To function as a non-profit professional society encouraging high professional standards among individuals with a common interest in the practice of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
2. To provide a venue for professional growth, lifelong learning, expertise and skills transfer among colleagues
3. To undertake linkages with international organizations involved in the practice of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
4. To safeguard the ethical and professional reputation of the society

Article IV: Membership

Section 1. Qualification: Membership in the Society shall be limited to a licensed ophthalmologist who fulfills the following:

1. Completed Post-Graduate Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
2. Committed to indulge in the practice, research and teaching of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
3. Has good moral character, reputation, ethical and professional standing
4. A diplomate of the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology
5. A member in good standing of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology
6. Who meet such other qualifications as described in these By-laws of the Society

Section 2. Classification: The members of the Society shall be classified s follows:

A. Fellow:

1. Shall have met all requirements for membership as described in these By-laws of the Society and as such have been approved by the Board of Directors
2. Shall be a Licensed Physician and graduate of an Ophthalmology Residency Training Program accredited by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology
3. Shall have completed Post-Graduate Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for a minimum cumulative period of Twelve (12) months. The Board of Directors shall determine the accredited training program.
4. a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology
5. a member in good standing of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology
6. shall have submitted and presented at least one (1) scientific paper in the subspecialty field as main author
7. shall pay the corresponding dues and other assessments
8. shall have the right to attend the Society meetings, have the right to hold office and the right to vote
9. shall attend at least one (1) PSOPRS General Membership meeting every 2 years

10. An Associate Member as defined in the 2003 PSOPRS Constitution, in good standing with the Society, may apply to become a Fellow provided:

    1. his/her license to practice medicine remains valid and unrestricted
    2. shall have submitted and presented at least two (2) scientific papers in the subspecialty field as main author
    3. that he/she has devoted a major part of his/her career to the practice of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery including, but not limited to, (1) clinical practice [private and/or government], (2) teaching, (3)community service, and (4) research.
    4. The Associate member shall file an application with the Membership Committee on the form prescribed by the Board of Directors; shall have the application endorsed by two (2) Fellows in good standing attesting that the candidate conforms to the professional and ethical standards set by the Society. All information submitted on the prescribed form shall be subject to review and verification by or under the supervision of the Board of Directors.

B. Life Fellow - Life Fellow may be conferred to the Fellows who:

1. Have significantly contributed to the upliftment of the Society as a bonafide member for twenty (20) consecutive years and have reached the age of sixty-five (65) years,
2. Held the position as President of the Society for a period of at least Twelve (12) months and has been a bonafide member of the Society for a minimum period of Ten (10) years thereafter.

C. Honorary Member - Honorary membership may be conferred;

1. Upon invitation as determined by the Board of Directors.
2. He/she may be an ocular pathologist or other specialties supportive of our society.
3. Duties and responsibilities to be defined

Section 3. Membership in Good Standing - Members in good standing

1. must be up-to-date in the payment of all financial obligations to the Society and with at least fifty percent (50%) participation to all scientific meetings in one (1) year.

Section 4. Termination

A. Suspension - Non-compliance with the Membership requirements in good standing for two (2) consecutive years.

B. Explusion - Non-compliance with the Membership requirements in good standing for two (2) consecutive years.

1. Engagement or gross involvement in unethical acts or conduct which is inimical to the best interest and welfare of the Society.
2. Members whose names remained listed in the Roll of suspended members for more than Two (2) years.
3. Repeated negligence and willful violation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society and the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmologist (PAO)

C. Resignation - Non-compliance with the Membership requirements in good standing for two (2) consecutive years.

1. Resignation from membership shall be made in writing addressed to the Board of Directors. Settlement of all arrearages or financial obligations to the Society shall be required before acceptance of the resignation. Otherwise, the Board of Directors shall consider appropriate action.