CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

Article I - Name of Society

This organization shall be known as the PHILIPPINE DERMATOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. (herein referred to as PDS or Society).

Article II - Definition

Section 1. Dermatology is the science devoted to the study and treatment of, and research on the skin and its appendages.

Section 2. The Philippine Dermatological Society is the specialty society for dermatology under the Philippine Medical Association.

Section 3. A Dermatologist is a physician who has been conferred the minimum status of diplomate by the Philippine Dermatological Society.

Article III - Office

The PDS shall have and continuously maintain as office at a location duly designated by the Board of Directors and its employees shall be designated as the Secretariat.

Article IV - Objectives

Section 1. The objective of this Society shall be to:

Produce competent dermatologists sensitive to the needs of the community;
Provide avenues for exchange of ideas that will enhance the science and art of dermatology;
Conduct researches and encourage publications relevant to the practice of dermatology;
Promote public awareness on the prevention of skin diseases through information and education campaigns;
Uphold professional and ethical standards among dermatologists;
Protect members of the Society against unfair practice and competition from unqualified practitioners through legislation and regulation;
Promote local and international recognition of the specialty;
Establish linkages with the other specialties for a more comprehensive health care;
Foster camaraderie among members and colleagues from other countries;
Encourage academic advance through scholarship and fellowship grants.

Article V - Members

Section 1. Classes of Members

The Society shall be composed of:

Affiliate Members
Associate Members
Non Resident Members
Diplomates
Fellows
Life Members
Members Emeritus
Honorary Members

Section 2. Eligibility for Membership

2.1 General Qualifications
With the exception of section 5, in addition to such other qualification as the By-Laws and or the Board of Directors may require, the application seeking admission into the Society must be:

2.1.1. A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;
2.1.2. A graduate of a medical school duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education;
2.1.3. Duly licensed to practice medicine in the Philippines, or in the country of origin;
2.1.4 Completed a 3-year residency training program in a PDS-accredited institution or an equivalent dermatology program approved by the PDS Board of Accreditation and PDS Board of Directors;
2.1.5 Of good moral character, standing and reputation in Society.

2.2. Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for each class of membership shall be as follows:

2.2.1. Affiliate Members
Affiliate members are those who are recognized as such in this class of membership as of 31 October 2003, and who continue to be in good standing. Henceforth no new members will be accepted in this category.
2.2.2. Associate Members
Associate members are graduates of duly approved 3-year PDS residency training program and are required to take the specialty board examination within five years from acceptance as member, subject to article XVI section 6. All those recognized as Associate members on or before 31 October 2003 remain exempted from this provision.
2.2.3. Non Resident Members
Non-resident members are foreigners who have finished a 3-year residency training program in a PDS accredited institution but are not qualified to take the PDS Board Examination. They shall submit proof that they are duly licensed to practice medicine in their own country and are members of their respective medical societies.
2.2.4. Diplomates
- 2.2.4.1 A Certified graduate of a PDs accredited 3-year dermatology training program who passes the Specialty Board Examination as prescribed and given by the Philippine Board of Dermatology (PBD) shall be conferred the Diplomate status.
- 2.2.4.2. Filipinos who have acquired an equivalent residency training program approved by the PDS Board of Accreditation and Board of Directors and licensed to practice dermatology abroad, with recommendation from two (2) fellows in good standing and who has been accepted by a majority vote of the PDS Board of Directors.
2.2.5. Fellows
- 2.2.5.1. A Diplomate with subsequent two (2) consecutive years of private or government practice devoted to Dermatology in the Philippines, with recommendations from two (2) Fellows in good standing and who has been accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be elevated to Fellow.
- 2.2.5.2. Filipinos who have acquired residency training and license to practice dermatology abroad, with two (2) years of private government practiced devoted to Dermatology in the Philippines, with recommendation from two (2) fellows in good standing and who has been accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
2.2.6. Life Member
- 2.2.6.1 A member who has reached sixty five (65) years of age, having been a member of the Society for at least twenty (20) years may be conferred the status of Life Member upon recommendation of the Chair of the Membership committee and a majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors.
- 2.2.6.2. Privileges of the life member can be extended to any disabled member unable to practice his/her profession.
2.2.7. Member Emeritus
Upon nomination by any member, a Fellow may be conferred the title Member Emeritus by the Society upon of 2/3 vote of the members of the Board of Directors on the basis of his/her position of distinct honor or eminence in the practice of dermatology or any on its subspecialties or research.
2.2.8. Honorary Member
Any distinguished person of Filipino or foreign citizenship who has rendered service in the field of dermatology shall be qualified for and may be conferred honorary membership upon approval of 2/3 of all the members of the Board of Directors. (As amended on 29 October 2003)

Section 3. Rights of members
Subject to existing limitations and those hereafter promulgated by the Board of Directors, all members in good standing shall have the following rights:

Affiliate Members, Associate Members, Diplomates, Fellows, Life Members and Members Emeritus
1. Vote on all matters relating to the affairs of the Society, except that in the election and selection of officers, member of both the Board of Directors and the Nominations Board. Such right is reserved for and limited to Fellows in good standing.
2. Only Fellows in good standing for the last five (5) years can be voted upon as officers of the Society or members of the Board of Directors. A Diplomate can be appointed as members of other such committees as may be defined by the Articles and By-Laws of the Constitution. Only Fellows in good standing for the last eight (8) years can be voted upon as members of the Nomination Board.
3. In appropriate instances, participate in deliberations/meetings of the Society.
4. Avail of the facilities of the Society, subject to reasonable limitations.
5. Personally examine the records or books of the Society during business meeting hours upon written notification to the Board at least three(3) working days prior to the date of examination of such records or books of the Society. Such notice shall include the purpose of the examination and the documents which the member intends to examine.
6. Membership to various committees shall be limited to diplomates and fellows in good standing.
7. Honorary Members shall have the rights as stated under sub-paragraphs ( c) and ( d) hereof.

Other Privileges of Members

Life Member. A Life Member shall continue to have all the rights of his/her previous membership category and shall exempt from paying any membership dues. He/she may attend PDS convention for free.
Member Emeritus. A Member Emeritus shall be exempt from paying the membership dues, convention fees and postgraduate course but shall be obligated to observe all other rules and regulations of the Society.

Section 4. Obligation of Members

Unless the Board of Directors provides otherwise, it shall be the duty of every member who desires to maintain his/her membership in good standing, to:

Comply with the By-Laws, the rules and regulations of the Society, and those hereinafter promulgated by the Board and its other committees.
Pay the annual dues in accordance with the schedule rates and incentives as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
Attend CME and other PDS Activities, with fulfillment of required CME units as determined and approved by the Board of Directors.
Attend the Annual Meeting and Convention. Members Emeritus, Honorary members and Life Members may be exempted from items (2), (3), and (4) of the foregoing.

Section 5. Application or Nominations for the Members

An applicant must be a member of any local competing society in general dermatology. Hence, an applicant must first denounce his membership in such competing organization before his application may be acted upon.
Application or nominations for admission to various classes of membership shall be submitted as follows:
2.1 For Fellow/ Associate Member/Life Member
Each eligible member shall complete an official application form and submit it to the Chair of the membership committee within a time specified by the Board of Directors.
2.2 For Honorary Member
Nominations for Honorary Membership may be submitted by any member of the Society. They shall be submitted to the Secretary within a time specified by the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Review and Evaluation

The Committee on Membership shall process applications for various classes of membership in accordance with the norms and procedure laid down by the PDS By-Laws. The recommendation of the Committee must be submitted to the Board of Directors within specified time for evaluation. Approval for Associate Members, Fellows and Life members needs a majority vote from the Board of Directors. Nomination for Honorary Membership must be reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Directors. A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors shall be necessary for approval for Honorary Members.

Section 7. Appeal for Denial of Membership

If membership is denied to an applicant, or if membership is granted in a class other than the class applied for, the applicant may submit a written request for reconsideration through a letter addressed to the President of the Society, stating the reason why his/her application should be reconsidered. The Board, in consultation with the Committee on Membership shall decide on the written request for reconsideration, whose decision shall be final.

Section 8. Reinstatement of Inactive Members

After observance of due process and upon approval of majority of the Board of Directors, a member may be reinstated provided that she fulfills any of the requirements depending on the offense.

Submit a letter of intent for reactivation.
Pay all financial obligations owed to the society
Placed under probation for one (1) year, attend the PDS business meeting and annual convention, and fulfill all the requirements to be a member of good standing.

Section 9. Discipline, suspension, expulsion and termination of membership

Voluntary resignation. Any member may voluntarily resign by tendering his/her written resignation to the Board of Directors, stating the reason therefore, and after payment of the dues, fees and other assessments that he/she may be owing at the time. The resignation is effective when accepted by the Board.
In the following instances, the members is deemed automatically dropped from the roll of members, to wit:
1. Final conviction for a crime/felony involving moral turpitude irrespective of whether or not the member served sentence in prison;
2. Final judgment, order or decree from the court of the Professional Regulation Commission or the Philippine Medical Association, where such judgment, order to decree cancels/terminates either the members license to practice Medicine, and /or membership in the PMA as the case may be
3. In the case of above item (b), and where the penalty imposed in suspension, the member is likewise deemed automatically suspended from the Society, without prejudice to other sanctions which the Board may deem appropriate in the premises.
After observance of due process and upon approval of 2/3 of the Board of Directors, sanctions or discipline ranging from censure, suspension to expulsion from the Society may be imposed upon a member who:
1. Failed to pay the dues and other financial obligations to the Society for two(2) consecutive years without justifiable cause after due notification.
2. Failed to attend the Annual Meeting and Convention for two (2) consecutive years without justifiable cause
3. Committed and/or engaged in grossly unethical act(s) that is (are) patently inimical to the best interested and welfare of the Society deliberated upon by the Committee on Ethics.
4. Exhibited gross medical incompetence
5. Adjudged to have engaged in false, fraudulent, deceptive, misleading or harmful advertising
6. Exhibited grossly immoral or unprofessional conduct
7. False representing that he/she is the only physician capable of performing certain dermatologic procedures
8. Endorsed personally any product related to dermatology in any form of media
9. Failed or refused without any justifiable reason to cooperate with the Society in the investigation of any disciplinary matter
10. Any member who maliciously filed charges in court against the Society or a fellow member duly performing his/her duty, after having lost his/her case in court or withdrawn or dismissed for lack of merit shall be appropriately sanctioned by the Society and be made to pay all expenses incurred
11. Becomes a member of an organization claiming to be another dermatological society in the Philippines that will be in competition and in conflict with the mission/vision of the Philippine Dermatological Society and therefore is considered inimical to the best interest of PDS
Any member who has been in an inactive status or who fails to comply with membership requirements for two (2) consecutive years without justifiable cause shall be dropped from the membership.

Section 10. Disciplinary Procedures

No disciplinary action may be taken against any member of the Society until proper notice and a fair hearing by the Ethics Committee and or the Board of Directors is provided.

Article VI - Medical Ethics

The principles of Medical Ethics of the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Board of Medicine and the Philippine Dermatological Society shall govern the conduct of the members of the Society. All questions of ethical nature shall be referred to the Committee on Ethics for discussion and recommendation. All members are at liberty to inform the Board of Directors of any unethical practice committed by any member of the Society. The Board of Directors must act on these questions accordingly with consultation with the Committee on Ethics. The final decision will require approval of 2/3 of all members of the Board. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article VII - Board of Directors

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the Philippine Dermatological Society. Other than the general membership it is the Board of Directors that is the ultimate repository of authority and responsibility over all the affairs of the Society. They shall be elected during the Annual Business Meeting or a special meeting called by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Number. The Board of Directors shall be composed of eleven (11) members to be elected by and from among the Fellows of the Society in good standing for at least five (5) years. In addition, the immediate past President of the Society shall sit as the twelfth (12th ) member of the board, without voting rights.

Section 3. Term of Office of Directors. The directors shall hold office for two (2) years with re-election.

Section 4. Disqualification of Directors or Officers:

4.1 No member convicted by final judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment or a violation of the Corporation Code of the Philippines within five (5) years prior to the date of his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director of officer. The Board of Directors may by a resolution approved by 2/3 vote of all its members establish or provide additional grounds for disqualification.
4.2 Unethical practice confirmed by the PDS Committee on Ethics and approved by the vote of 2/3 of the members of the PDS Board. (as amended on 29 October 2003).

Article VIII - Officers of the Society

Section 1. The Officers of the Society shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer or other positions as may be deemed necessary through a resolution approved by the vote of 2/3 of the members of the Board. The Board of Directors shall elect from among themselves by secret ballot a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as the Board may deem necessary. The twelfth (12th) member of the Board without voting rights shall tally and canvass the votes. They shall be selected within one (1) week after the election of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Only Fellows in good standing for at least five (5) years shall be elected as Officers of the Society.

Section 3. All officers of the Society shall participate in the Philippine Medical Association

Section 4. The term of office for the Officers shall be for two (2) years, without re-election to the same position.” (as amended on 29 October 2003).

Article IX - Powers of the Board of Directors

Section 1. Without prejudice to such general powers as may be granted by law, the Board of Directors shall also have the following expressed powers:

1.1 Take charge of the property and affairs of the PDS
1.2 Upon nomination by the President, appoint Chairpersons, membership of committees and other that are otherwise not provided for
1.3 The Secretary and the Treasurer shall submit to the Society annual reports of the transactions and financial status of the Society. These reports shall also be submitted annually to the Securities & Exchange Commission & Philippine Medical Association at the end of each fiscal year.
1.4 In case of vacancy for the Presidency, the Vice –President shall assume the position. The Board of Directors shall elect among themselves for the positional vacated. The PDS Fellow who garnered the highest number of votes after the eleven (11th ) director shall fill the vacancy in the Board. These replacements shall hold office until the next regular election.
1.5 Approve an annual program of major activities of the Society.
1.6 Determine the status of the members of the Society upon recommendation by the Committee on Membership in accordance with the articles of this Constitution and other rules promulgated by the Society.
1.7 Upon proper complaint of any of its members of on its own initiative take cognizance of investigate, decide and resolve all questions of unethical practices in accordance with the PDS By-Laws and the PDS Code of Ethics.
1.8 Upon recommendation of the Committee on Ethics, impose sanctions and penalties on matters of ethical nature in accordance with the By-Laws and Code of Ethics of the Society.
1.9 Decide or act upon the recommendations of the Board of Accreditation to grant, deny or recall recognition and accreditation of training programs.
1.10 Audit the accounts of the Treasurer as well as the property of the PDS and present a statement of the same in its annual report with such suggestions as it may deem necessary and giving all information concerning the management of all affairs of the PDS which the Board is charge to administer.
1.11 Ensure that in the conduct and appreciation of examinations the Board of Examiners strictly observes and abides by the standards and guidelines set by the Society.
1.12 Create sub-specialty committees composed only of PDS fellows and diplomates with similar interests and skills who shall pool their talents for the purpose of advancing research and study on specific aspects of dermatology in the Philippines.

Section 2. Quorum for Board Meetings. Unless the law or the or By-Laws provide a higher number, a majority (50%+1) of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and every decision of at least a majority of the quorum shall be valid and effective.

Section 3. The Board shall meet upon the call of the president or on petition of a least six (6) of its members.” (As amended on 29 October 2003)

Article X - Duties of the Officers

Section 1. The president is the chief executive of the Society and shall preside at all meetings of the general membership and the Board of Directors. He/she shall perform such other duties not specified in these By-Laws as custom and parliamentary usage may require.

Section 2. The Vice-President shall assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties and shall preside at the meetings in the absence of the President. In the event of the President” death, resignation or removal, the Vice President shall succeed him. He/she shall act as overall chair of the annual conventions.

Section 3. The Secretary shall take care of informing the members of the PDS of all activities; shall send notices or circulars to members whenever necessary; shall keep the minutes of the meetings and proceedings of the Society; shall be the custodian of all records, papers, and property belonging to the PDS; oversee the functions of the secretariat, and shall submit an annual report of PDS activities to the PMA and to the Securities and Exchange Commission. He/she shall keep a register of all members of the PDS.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall demand and receive all funds due to the PDS including voluntary contributions and donations. He/she shall disburse funds for necessary expenditures of the PDS as approved by the members of the Board of Directors. He/she shall deposit in a bank the money of the PDS and withdraw from said bank with approval of the Board of Directors. He/she shall render annually report of his/her activities, giving a detailed statement of membership, of funds received and disbursed and summary of the finances and properties of the PDS. He/she and the President shall be co-signatories on all financial transactions and disbursements. Expenses other than operational shall require the approval of the majority of the voting members.

Article XI - Executive Committee

The Board of Directors may provide for an Executive Committee which shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and one member of the Board of Directors. The Immediate Past President will part of the Executive Committee is an advisory capacity without voting privileges. The majority of the Board of Directors may authorize the Executive Committee to executive particular transactions when the Board of Directors is not available. The establishment of the Executive Committee and the delegation of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any member thereof, any responsibility imposed upon it by the PDS by-laws.

Article XII - Meetings

Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meetings of the members shall be held on the second Friday of November of each year, unless the Board of Directors provides for a different date by a simple resolution.

Annual Convention – this shall be held in November unless otherwise scheduled by a resolution of the Board and notification of general membership of at least 6 months prior to the scheduled date.
Business Meeting – The President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer shall render their annual reports to the members regarding the activities and financial status of the Society. The election of directors shall be held and the results announced during this meeting. Unless otherwise rescheduled by the Board.

Section 2. The Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the PDS shall consist of the CME meetings. These shall consist of presentation of rare and interesting cases or other activities which are relevant to the science and art of Dermatology. There shall be complete academic freedom is such discussions. All PDS-approved training programs and institutions shall take turns as host at regular meetings.

Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members shall be called as the need arises by the two–thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors or the President or upon petition of ¼ of the general membership.

Section 4. Notices. Notices of the time and place of the annual and special meetings of the members shall be given either personally, by messenger , by special delivery mail, by electronic mail or by facsimile, at least 2 weeks before the date set for such meetings.

Section 5. Quorum. A quorum of any meeting shall consist of a majority of the members in good standing (50%+1) and a majority such quorum may decide any questions at the meeting except those matters where the Law(s) of the By-Laws require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of members in good standing.

Section 6. Order of Business.

The order of business at the annual meeting of the members shall be as follows:

Proof of service of the required notice of the meeting.
Proof of presence of the quorum.
Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous annual meeting
Unfinished business
Report of the President
Election of the Directors for the ensuing year
Other matters (As amended on 29 October 2003)

Article XIII - Conduct of Elections

Section 1. Any Fellow in good standing may recommend candidates for Board of Directors to the Nominations Board using the form provided for this purpose. They may send thru fax, email, or postage.

Section 2. The Nominations Board shall screen and select twenty (20) nominees from the list of recommended candidates and submit to the incumbent Board of Directors for joint deliberation and approval. The approved list of nominees shall then be announced to the voting members of the Society one month prior to election.

Section 3. COMELEC. This shall be composed of the Advisory Council who shall supervise the conduct of the election. They shall elect among themselves their Chairperson.

Section 4. Voting. Election of officers and other elective positions shall be by secret ballot in person during the annual meeting or any such special meeting as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. Votes may also be sent by messenger, by mail, by facsimile, or by e-mail using ballot duly authenticated by the COMELEC within the time period allotted by the same. There must be a majority of votes cast for the election to be valid. Proxy votes are permissible provided such votes are registered with the secretary at least one (1) business day before the Elections, otherwise these votes shall not be counted.

Section 5. The eleven (11) fellows garnering the highest number of votes will win as members of the Board of Directors.” (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XIV - Nominations Board (NB)

This Board shall be composed of five (5) Fellows in good standing for the last eight (8) years who shall be elected by members with voting rights four (4) months prior to the annual meeting. The members shall select from among themselves a Chairman and a Secretary. The term of office shall be two (2) years. The NB shall screen and select twenty (20) nominees from the list of Fellows of the Society in good standing from the recommended candidates given by the general membership and submit to the incumbent Board of Directors for joint deliberation and approval. The approved list of nominees shall then be announced by the NB to the voting members of the Society one month prior to the election.

Article XV - Board of Accreditation

Section 1. The Board of Accreditation shall be chaired by a PDS Fellow appointed by the Board of Directors. This board shall be divided into two committees, namely:

Committee on Planning
Committee on Implementation & Monitoring

Section 2. All members of the Board of Accreditation shall serve a term of three years (3) years.

Section 3. Committee on Planning. This committee shall set standards, formulate rules and regulations, and define requirements for PDS program accreditation. This committee shall be composed of either the Chairpersons or Training Officers of all the accredited residency training institution programs. They shall elect among themselves their Chairman.

Section 4. Committee on Implementation and Monitoring. This committee shall monitor the different PDS-accredited programs for compliance with set standards and implement rules and regulations formulated by the Committee on Planning. It shall conduct regular reviews of all the different accredited programs, the frequency of which shall be determined by the Committee on Planning. This committee shall submit reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors which will either issue a certificate of accreditation or cancel/withdraw the accreditation previously issued, as the case may be. This committee shall be composed of ten (10) members appointed by the Board of Directors who are fellows in good standing for the last five (5) years.” (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XVI - Philippine Board of Dermatology

Section 1. The Board of Examiners also known as the Philippine Board of Dermatology is an independent body of the society.

Section 2. Composition and Term of Office. The Philippine Board of Dermatology shall have seven (7) members appointed by the Board of Directors from among the PDS fellows of good standing for the last five (5) years, except for dermatopathology who shall be fellows for the last three (3) years. They shall serve for a term of two (2) years. Six (6) of the members shall be coming from any of the accredited institutions of the society, and one (1) from private practice. The chairperson of the Philippine Board of Dermatology shall be selected by the appointed members from among themselves and shall serve for two (2) years with an additional one (1) year in an advisory capacity. The members of the Philippine Board of Dermatology shall undergo training in test construction at the National Teachers Training Center or its equivalent as approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Qualifications. For examiners coming from accredited institutions, they shall be fellows in good standing for the last five (5) years, except for the dermatopathology who shall be fellows for the last three (3) years. The examiner coming from private sector must be in active practice and shall be a fellow in good standing for the last eight (8) years.

Section 4. Functions. The Philippine Board of Dermatology shall be responsible for the preparation, handling and conduct of the Board of Examination in Dermatology. All deliberations and decisions reached by the Philippine Board of Dermatology shall be deemed final and irrevocable without prejudice to the provisions of Article IX, Section 1 of these bylaws. Results of the examination shall be submitted to the Board of Directors. The Philippine Board of Dermatology shall release results not later than one (1) week after the date of the examinations.

Section 5. Schedule and Nature of Examinations. Board examinations shall be held annually in April or May, or as requested by the Philippine Board of Dermatology and approved by the Board of Directors. It shall consist of written, oral and practical exams. The practical exams shall cover both clinical dermatology and dermatopathology.

Section 6. Unsuccessful Examinees. Unsuccessful examinees for the Specialty Board Examination may re-apply for a maximum of three (3) times. Failure to pass the Specialty Board Examination after four (4) attempts would require a refresher course to be provided by his/her institution or its equivalent. (As amended on 29 October 2003)

Section 7. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy in the Philippine Board of Dermatology, the Board of Directors shall appoint a replacement.

Section 8. Funds. The Board of Examiners shall submit its budget to the Board of Directors for approval. The latter may approve and allocate such funds as it deems necessary. Application fees shall constitute the funds of the Philippine Board of Dermatology, which shall disburse these funds accordingly. The Philippine Board of Dermatology shall designate any of its members as Treasurer. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XVII - Advisory Council

Section 1. The Advisory Council shall be composed of all past Presidents of the Society and the former members of the Council of Elders. They shall choose from among themselves, a chair, co-chair and secretary who shall serve for a period of two (2) years.

Section 2. This Council shall function as an advisory board to the Society. Its members shall act as consultants on matters that are controversial, difficult or delicate based on assessment by the Board of Directors. They shall advise the board of directors on issues that may threaten the integrity and being of the Society.

Section 3. By mandate of the Constitution and By-Laws, the Advisory Council also acts as the Society’s COMELEC.

Section 4. Members of the Advisory Council are permanently disqualified from running for any elective office. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XVIII - Committees

Section 1. The following shall be the standing committees of the Society or other such committees which later shall be deemed necessary and formed by the Board. The Chairs of each committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. Their terms of office are co-terminus with the Board of Directors:

Committee on Annual Convention
Committee on Constitution & By-Laws
Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Committee on Ethics
Committee on Finance (Ways & Means)
Committee on Membership
Committee on Publication and Library
Committee on Public Relations & External Affairs
Committee on Research
Committee on Socials
Committee on Subspecialties
Committee on Outreach Program
Committee on Legal Affairs
Committee on Human Resources and Development
Committee on Membership Assistance
Committee on Website

Section 2. Committee on Annual Convention. This committee chaired by the vice-president shall organize and implement plans for the annual convention.

Section 3. Committee on Constitution & By-Laws. This committee shall be tasked with ensuring adherence to the spirit and letter of the PDS Constitution and By-Laws, by all the officers and members of the Society. It shall study the Constitution and By-Laws in order to propose, when needed relevant amendments that uphold the objectives and purposes of the Society.

Section 4. Committee on Continuing Medical Education. This committee shall see to it that members are updated on the latest information and research in dermatology and shall provide venues for the exchange of ideas among the members. It shall plan the regular inter-institution and inter-hospital scientific program and assign hosts for these scientific meetings. It shall be responsible for ensuring that the PDS functions as a CME provider on a continuing basis, and shall keep a record of CME units earned by the members for submission to the Philippine Medical Association, Professional Regulation Commission and the Membership Committee.

Section 5. Committee on Ethics. This committee shall be responsible for upholding the Code of Ethics of PDS, PMA and the Philippine Board of Medicine. It shall periodically evaluate the Code of Ethics and assess its relevance to the times. It shall monitor and regulate the activities of PDS members, investigate reports of violations and recommend to the Board of Directors and other agencies, appropriate sanctions and penalties.

Section 6. Committee on Finance (Ways & Means). This committee shall facilitate acquisition of funds and other special requirements of the different committees of the PDS.

Section 7. Committee on Membership. This committee shall evaluate all applications for membership to the PDS and submit its recommendations to the Board of Directors. It shall regularly review the status of the members as regards compliance with rules and regulations laid down in Article V, Section 4 of this By-Laws and shall recommend to the Board of Directors appropriate penalties where non-compliance is determined.

Section 8. Committee on Publications and Library. This committee shall be responsible for the production, preservation and dissemination of educational material and research output pertinent to dermatology and its sub-specialties, as well as the documentation of PDS activities. It shall assist the different committees in education campaign and shall promote public awareness regarding issues in Dermatology. It shall also monitor media articles in dermatology for accuracy and subsequently issue appropriate corrections. Subcommittees shall be formed as necessary.

Section 9. Committee on Public Relations & External Affairs. This committee shall be responsible for promoting with other organizations and the public a better understanding of the objectives, policies, and activities of the Society. To this end, the committee shall take care of non-scientific publications, media coverage and other pertinent communications.

Section 10. Committee on Research. This committee shall plan, foster, support, publish and disseminate worthwhile research in Dermatology that is relevant to the Philippines. It shall endeavor to develop among the members of the Society, the ability to critically analyze research data. It shall also establish a national data pool or registry of dermatologic conditions in the Philippines.

Section 11. Committee on Socials. This committee shall foster camaraderie among members and colleagues by planning, implementing and documenting the various social activities of the Society.

Section 12. Committee on Subspecialties. This committee shall be responsible for organizing, implementing and monitoring the activities of the different subspecialties of dermatology be responsible for reviewing, evaluating the merits and recommend the approval of new subspecialties. Only Fellows and Diplomates of the PDS can be members of these subspecialties. The Board shall appoint the Chair and members of this Committee.

Section 13. Committee on Legal Affairs. This committee shall be responsible for studying proposed laws as well as existing laws in the country that affect the practice of Dermatology. It shall lobby for amendments and/or the creation of new laws, bills or ordinances that will be favorable for the practice of Dermatology. They will also coordinate with government and non-government organizations in the implementation of these amendments, new laws, bills or ordinances upon the approval of the Board.

Section 14. Committee on Human Resources and Development. This committee shall be responsible for acquiring funds and grants for future professional enhancement of its members and staff.

Section 15. Committee on Outreach Program. This committee shall be responsible for planning, organizing and conducting activities that will address the dermatologic needs of the underserved sectors of the community.

Section 16. Committee on Membership Assistance. This committee shall give financial assistance to PDS members in good standing who may incur injuries or illness resulting to partial or total disability enabling him/her to practice medicine, or death. It shall be composed of the Vice-President as chair, the chair of the Committee on Membership, the Treasurer and the Chair of the Committee on Ways & Means. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Section 17. Committee on Website. This committee shall be responsible for maintaining the website, to optimize the web page design for ease of use, attractiveness and keeping the content up-to-date and relevant for the benefit of our members and the general public.

Article XIX - The Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society

Section 1. The Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society is the official publication of the PDS.

Section 2. The Board of Editors. The Editor-in-Chief shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall serve for a period of two (2) years without prejudice to reappointment. The Board of Directors may authorize the Editor to appoint assistant or associate editors for the journal who will be co-terminus with the Editor-in-Chief.

Article XX - Regional Chapters

Section 1. Regional Chapters shall be established primarily to provide CME credited activities for PDS members in the region and to facilitate training strictly in accordance with the PDS Constitution and By-Laws and the rules and regulations of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall determine and approve regional divisions.

Section 3. Regional Chapters may be created with a minimum of fifteen (15) PDS members in the Region, at least four (4) of whom should be PDS Fellows.

Section 4. The members of the Regional Chapter shall elect among the PDS Fellows in the Region a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These officers shall manage the affairs of the chapter.

Section 5. Regional Chapters shall be governed entirely by the PDS Constitution and By-Laws. They shall remit to the Society 10% of the net proceeds of their annual CME activity.

Section 6. The chairperson of each Region shall represent the chapter in the Board of Directors of the PDS and shall be designated as Regional Director. He shall make a full report regarding membership, finances and activities of the chapter at the general meeting during the annual convention. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XXI - Subspecialty Societies

Section 1. A subspecialty society may be established and will be recognized upon the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. It shall be composed of certified Diplomates and Fellows of good standing with special expertise in specific areas of dermatology.

Section 3. It shall consist of at least fifteen (15) PDS members in good standing to serve as the founding officers, members and incorporators.

Section 4. Its members are graduates of formal fellowship training programs or equivalent training qualifications as specified by the subspecialty society.

Section 5. The subspecialty society shall have a sub-board for certification.

Section 6. The members shall elect among themselves as President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and three (3) Board Members.

Section 7. The subspecialty society shall have its constitution and by-laws in consonance with that of the PDS and approved by the PDS Board of Directors.

Article XXII - Subspecialty Core Groups

Section 1. Sub-specialty core groups may be established upon the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors to promote programs that are not covered by any existing PDS subspecialty society.

Section 2. It shall consist of at least three (3) PDS certified Diplomates or Fellows of good standing.

Section 3. It may apply for recognition as subspecialty society upon fulfillment of the necessary qualifications.

Section 4. The Chair of the Subspecialty Core Groups shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Its members are graduates of formal fellowship training program or equivalent training qualifications as specified by the subspecialty core group.

Article XXIII - Funds and Expenses

This Organization is non-stock and non-profit.

Section 1. Fund Source. The annual dues of the members, voluntary contributions, donations and other fees shall be the source of the funds for the expenditures of the Society.

Section 2. Special Assessment. The Board of Directors may from time to time assess and collect from each member, reasonable amounts as may be required for special occasions and activities of the Society.

Section 3. Payment of dues. Any member of the Society failing to pay his dues for two (2) consecutive years despite proper notification, shall be automatically dropped from the roll of members in good standing but may be reinstated upon payment of all back dues.

Section 4. Book of Accounts. The financial books, accounts and records of the Society shall be maintained by a retained bookkeeper. Inspection of books, accounts and records by any member of the Society may be made during business hours. An external audit should be done annually at the end of the fiscal year.

Section 5. Contracts. The Society may enter into a contract upon approval of 2/3 of the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Signatories. All checks, drafts or orders for payment of money or notes. Bonds or other evidence of indebtedness of the Society shall be signed jointly by the President and Treasurer or other officers authorized by the Board.

Section 7. Deposit. All funds of the Society from dues, fees, contributions, donations or other forms shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Society in such banks as designated by the Board of Directors.
Section 8. No part of the income of the Society shall go to the benefit of any member of the Board of Directors or any private person, individual and entity.

Section 9. Funds for Special Projects. Projects amounting from two hundred thousand pesos to one million pesos (P200,000.00 to P1,000,000.00) shall require approval of majority of the Board of Directors. More than this amount should require the majority vote of the members.

Section 10. Audit. There shall be an external auditor to be selected by a majority vote of all the members of Board of Directors. The auditor shall conduct an annual audit of the accounts of the Society and render a certified report thereon. The Treasurer shall present the audited financial statement during the annual general membership meeting.

Section 11. The properties/assets of the Society shall be donated to similar organizations or to the government of the Philippines in case of, or in the event of the dissolution of the Society.

Section 12. Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the Society shall be from January 1 to December 31. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XXIV - Administrative Regulations

Section 1. Establishment. The Board of Directors shall by a majority vote, create a manual of administrative regulations to govern the organization and operation of important aspects of the affairs of the Society. Such administrative regulations shall cover such matters as are specifically required by these by-laws, including the organization and operation of the committee structure of the Society, procedures of hearings on denials of membership, procedures for the nomination and election of officers and directors, duties and authority of the Executive Director, fiscal year of the Academy and such other important administrative matters as the Board of Directors shall deem appropriate.

Section 2. Publication. The administrative regulations adopted by the Board of Directors shall be available to any member of the Society upon written request to the Secretary.

Section 3. Amendment. The administrative regulations of the Society may be amended by the Board of Directors at any meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, provided that notice of any proposed amendments shall be given to each director not less than two weeks prior thereto.

Article XXV - Amendments

The By-Laws may be amended and/or modified by the affirmative vote of at least two0thirds (2/3) of members in good standing who cast their vote in a meeting intended for the purpose. The proposed amendments/modifications shall be received by the members at least one (1) month before the actual voting. Voting may be in person or by proxy during the meeting. Votes may be sent in early by mail, email or facsimile prior to the meeting, subject to the attendance of the voting member during the meeting, in person or by proxy. Proxy votes shall be registered with the secretary at least one (1) business day prior to the actual voting, otherwise such votes shall not be counted. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XXVI - Rules of Order

This Society shall be governed by the Robert’s Rules of Order when not in conflict with the rules of the Society.

Article XXVII - Corporate Seal

The corporate seal of the Society shall be in such form and design as may be determined by the Board.

Article XXVIII - General Provisions

Section 1. Any affiliate member/Associate Member/Diplomate/Fellow who has been dropped from the roll should not use the title of Affiliate member/Associate member/Diplomate of PDS (DPDS)/Fellow of PDS (FPDS), respectively; neither he/she may enjoy any of the rights ofprivileges inherent or pertinent to such membership. The PDS reserves the rights to all legal sanctions necessary to protect its interests in the event that a separated member continues to exercise such privileges or rights.

Section 2. Reinstatement or Reactivation of Membership. A former member may be reinstated in the roll of membership and restored to the status of “good standing” by a majority vote of all members of the Board upon such grounds may be deemed to be fair and in the best interest of the Society. However, under no circumstances shall such reinstatement/reactivation take place unless said member shall have fully paid all financial obligations owed to the Society.

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall hold office for two (2) years with re-election. The Officers shall hold office for two (2) years without re-election to the same position. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Article XXIX - Transitory Provisions

All existing members at the same time of merger are also dermatologists. (As amended on 29 October 2003).

Philippine Dermatological Society