1.1 The name of the association was changed from Association of Indian Pathologists in America (AIPA) to Association of Indian Pathologists in North America, heretofore referred to as AIPNA, to better reflect the activities of its American and Canadian members. The name change was implemented in appropriate government agencies as well as bank accounts.
1.2 AIPNA's vision and objectives are to enhance the practice of pathology in India, North America, and globally, provide a forum for advocacy, and foster networking for pathologists of Indian origin in North America.
1.3 AIPNA shall be a charitable and non-profit organization registered in the USA under section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Its income shall be derived from membership dues, donations, corporate grants, and other fund-raising events.
1.4 AIPNA shall comprise a General Body, an Executive Committee, and a variable number of Committees, both Standing and Ad hoc. Each shall have specific functions and rights and shall discharge its responsibilities according to AIPNA's bylaws.
Any individual with demonstrated interest and involvement in the organization’s objectives is eligible to apply for Regular membership. Regular Members will be assessed dues every year.
Regular member who has paid dues for ten years.
Any person applying to or already enrolled in a post-doctoral educational program in any subspecialty of Pathology (PhD, post-doctoral fellowship, residency or fellowship) or another specialty of Medicine who has demonstrated interest in the organization’s objectives is eligible to apply for Junior membership. This membership is held without dues. The Junior members may apply for Regular membership upon completing their post-doctoral training.
A member can become Emeritus by requesting this status, in writing, to the President after attaining the age of 70 or earlier if retired from active practice. This membership is held without dues.
This category has been discontinued. AIPNA will honor the Life Membership status granted previously.
The Membership Committee will review all applications and decide whether to approve or disapprove them. A list of new members will be presented at the annual general body meeting.
1. Regular, Extended, and Emeritus members will have the right to hold office and to vote.
2. Each Regular, Extended, and Emeritus member will have one vote.
3. All members have the right to participate in the scientific sessions and other deliberations and discussions at the General Body Meetings.
4. Members may not use the name, property, or organization of AIPNA for personal benefit.
5. AIPNA shall be represented in official business matters only by the currently elected officers.
1. The Executive Committee shall determine the dues from time to time.
2. Any member in arrears of dues for more than one year, failing satisfactory explanation in writing to the Membership Committee, may have their membership revoked. Such members may be reinstated after payment of dues.
3.1 The General body shall consist of dues-paying members and emeritus members of AIPNA.
3.2 The General Body shall approve the Bylaws for AIPNA.
3.3 The Annual General Body Meeting shall be held at least once a year. The President may call a Special General Body Meeting after approval of the Executive Committee. The format may be either “in-person” or any “electronic” means (e.g., Zoom meeting, email vote on Special Resolutions).
3.4 A majority vote of the members of the General Body meeting, with a quorum of 25 or more members, shall be used to pass all motions and resolutions.
The Executive Committee is entrusted with the planning, organization, and execution of all necessary activities and functions to fulfill AIPNA's mission, goals, and objectives. This includes but is not limited to, strategic planning, financial management, membership engagement, and advocacy for the field of pathology. Major awards such as Service to AIPNA Award and Lifetime Achievement Award are decided by the Executive.
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Past-President, Vice President/President-Elect, Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Committee Chairs, Executive Director, and Patrons.
1. President: The term of office shall be two years, renewable once at the discretion of the Executive. The President shall be the chief executive officer of AIPNA and preside at all meetings, serve as Chairperson of the Executive Committee, and officially represent AIPNA. The President will receive all the donations, bequests, or gifts to AIPNA on its behalf. The President shall appoint all standing committees in consultation with the Executive. Ad hoc committees are appointed by the President as needed in consultation with the Executive.
2. Past-president: Will serve on the Executive Committee for two years after completing their term as President.
3. Vice president (or President-Elect): Term two years. In the usual course of events, the Vice President will assume the position of the President. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence, or in case of incapacity, of the President.
4. Treasurer, Joint Treasurer: The Treasurer receives dues, keeps records of financial documents for governmental agencies, banks, or other financial institutions, files taxes, liaises with the auditor/accountant, prepares and presents a Financial Report at the Annual General Body Meeting, and, with approval of the President, shall disburse monies for expenses used solely for AIPNA. The Treasurer will maintain an updated list of current members and non-members, with the help of the Secretary and the Joint Secretary. The Joint Treasurer will help the Treasurer fulfil this role and perform the duties of the Treasurer in the absence or, in case of incapacity, of the Treasurer. The term of office is three years, renewable once.
5. Secretary, Joint Secretary: The Secretary shall keep minutes of the Annual General Body and Executive Committee meetings. He/she will receive all the correspondence related to AIPNA, draft the agenda for all the meetings in consultation with the president, communicate with the Executive and the General Body as needed, and keep custody of AIPNA documents, including but not restricted to mortgages, deeds, and contracts. The Joint Secretary will help the Secretary fulfil this role and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence, or in case of incapacity, of the Secretary. The term of office is three years, renewable once by the executive.
6. Executive Director: The Executive Director carries out the day-to-day activities of AIPNA as directed by the Executive Committee and the President. The term of office is three years, renewable once by the Executive.
7. Editor-in-Chief: Serves as the newsletter's editor and chair of the Newsletter/Digital Content Committee (including the website and social media). The term of office is three years, renewable once by the executive.
8. Patrons: The Patrons will be appointed by the Executive for a period of three years and can be renewed. They will provide insight, wisdom, and guidance to the Executive.
Any Regular/Extended/Emeritus/Life Member of AIPNA is eligible to hold office. The members can submit nominations for the Office Bearers to the Nominations Committee. The Nominations Committee will present its report at the Annual General Body Meeting. The election will be held at the Annual Business Meeting or by mailed ballot, if necessary, by the Executive Committee. A majority vote of the Regular/Extended/Emeritus/Life members present, or of all voting Regular/Extended/Emeritus/Life members in case of a mail ballot, is required to elect the officers. If no nominations are received, the President in consultation with the Executive Committee may ask the incumbent office-bearer to continue until a nomination is received and a new member is elected.
The President, Treasurer, Joint Treasurer, and Executive Director will serve as the signatories of AIPNA for financial matters. The President and Executive Director will sign any plaques given by AIPNA.
5.1 AIPNA's income shall be drawn from the sources outlined in Article 1.
5.2 The Treasurer (or Joint Treasurer) shall present the annual financial status report to the members at the Annual General Body Meeting.
5.3 The record of all receipts and expenditures will be kept for at least five years.
All Committee members and Committee chairs are appointed by the Executive Committee as necessary to carry out the Associations various functions and initiatives. The current slate of Committee Chairs and Members will be presented at the Annual General Body Meeting.
Membership includes the Past President (Chair), President, Executive Director, Vice President, and Patrons. The committee's responsibilities are to prepare a slate of AIPNA Executives for the next year and present it at the Annual General Body Meeting.
Membership includes the President (Chair), Past President, Executive Director, Vice President. Responsibilities: To review and revise the Mission, Vision, Goals and Objectives, and the Constitution and Bylaws from time to time, as necessary.
Membership includes the President (Chair), Past President, Executive Director, Vice President, and Trustees/Patrons. The committee's responsibility is to raise funds for various AIPNA initiatives.
The term for Chair and Members is three years, renewable once. The committee's responsibilities are to strive to increase membership, review membership applications, welcome new members and organize membership drives.
The chair will serve as the Editor-in-Chief. The term for Chair and members is three years, renewable once. The committee's responsibilities are to draft the Newsletters periodically, have them approved by the president, and distribute them to the members and non-members. The committee also keeps the website up-to-date with outsourced help and keeps the Social Media conversations active.
The term for Chair and member is three years, renewable once. This umbrella committee oversees all the educational initiatives undertaken by subcommittees, which are ad hoc committees. It also maintains a list of the past, present, and future faculty.
The Executive may create ad hoc committees as new initiatives are undertaken. These committees can be disbanded as and when required.
In the event of a grievance or a complaint, a member may write to the President of AIPNA. The Executive Committee shall review and respond.
9.1 If AIPNA ceases to function or if the Executive Committee feels that AIPNA is no longer able to fulfill its original mission, vision, goals and objectives, then AIPNA may be dissolved as follows:
a) The Executive Committee shall circulate a notice of motion of the dissolution to all members of AIPNA.
b) A special or regular Annual General Body Meeting will be held to consider the motion.
c) If the motion to dissolve AIPNA is passed, then the matter of paying off the liabilities and disposition of the assets will be discussed.
d) The assets will be disposed of following the decisions made at the General Body Meeting.