CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

The election of members shall take place upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee at the Annual Meeting of Active Members each year or at a special meeting called for that purpose. Two-thirds affirmative vote of the Active Members voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be required to become a member of the Society.

There are six categories of membership:

1.Active Membership.

Active membership shall be composed of surgeons or others who in the opinion of the Directors, or its designated committee, have made significant contributions in the field of genitourinary reconstructive surgery. Initially, the basic criteria for admission of surgeons to Active Membership shall be:

a. Active Membership in a surgical specialty society and certification by an ABMS approved board or its foreign equivalent. Applicants who have completed 6 months of a Reconstructive Fellowship sponsored by a current GURS member, may apply for Active Membership.

b. Documentation of the candidates practice and contributions in the field of genitourinary reconstructive surgery.

c. Candidates must be sponsored by an Active Member. The candidate must also be endorsed by two other Active Members.

d. Submit an application for membership to the Secretary-Treasurer.

e. Only Active Members may vote on matters presented at the Annual meeting of the Society.

2.Affiliate Membership.

Affiliate membership may be conferred on any candidate who in the opinion of the Directors, or its designated committee, has contributed to the field of genitourinary reconstructive surgery. All Affiliate Members shall be elected in the same manner as Active Members.Candidates must be sponsored by an Active Member who will be responsible for providing evidence of his qualifications. The candidate must also be endorsed by two other Active Members. An Affiliate Member may attend membership meetings but may not vote, hold office, or serve on committees of the Society.

3.Associate Membership.

Associate membership shall be composed of surgeons who in the opinion of the Directors or its designated committee are actively involved in the field of genitourinary reconstructive surgery, but have failed to meet all the criteria as surgeons for admission to active membership. This membership category is designated to provide a venue for young surgeons who are actively involved in genitourinary reconstructive surgery to begin the membership process during the early years of their career. Associate members are expected to meet the criteria for active membership within 3 years. If criteria are met, a written request along with documentation must be forwarded to the Secretary-Treasurer for change to Active Membership.If criteria are not met within the 3-year period, their Associate Membership status will be revoked. Associate members are exempt from payment of dues and assessment.

4.Senior Membership.

Active Members in good standing, on attaining the age of sixty-five (65) are eligible for Senior Membership status. An Active Member in good standing who wishes to be transferred to Senior Membership status shall make written application to the Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall present a list of names of Active Members requesting transfer to Senior Membership status to the membership at each Annual Meeting of the Society. Senior Members are exempt from payment of dues and assessment. They may attend membership meetings, but may note vote, hold office or serve on committees of the Society.

5.Honorary Membership.

Honorary membership may be conferred upon an individual, who in the opinion of Active Members, is worthy of such membership. A majority vote of the Active Members at the Annual meeting of the Society is required. Honorary members are exempt from payment of dues and assessments. They may attend membership meetings, but may not vote, hold office or serve on committees of the Society.

6.Inactive Membership.

Active or Affiliate members who are incapacitated and to whom the payment of dues would be a hardship are eligible for Inactive Membership. An Active or Affiliate member who desires to be transferred to Inactive Membership status shall make written application to the Secretary-Treasurer at least sixty (60) days before the Annual meeting of the Society. Transfer of status requires two-thirds majority vote of the Active Members. Inactive members are exempt from payment of dues and assessments. They may attend membership meetings, but may not vote, hold office or serve on committee of the Society.