This organization shall be known as the PHILIPPINE DERMATOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. (herein referred to as PDS or Society).
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.
Section 1. The objective of this Society shall be to:
Section 1. Classes of Members
The Society shall be composed of:
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:
2.2. Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for each class of membership shall be as follows:
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:
Other Privileges of Members
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:
Section 5. Application or Nominations for the Members
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.
Section 9. Discipline, suspension, expulsion and termination of 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.
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:
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).
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:
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)
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.
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.
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:
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).
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:
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).
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).
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).
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:
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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