Bylaws

ISRS adheres to a set of bylaws that dictate its mandate and scope.

ARTICLE 1: THE ISRS SOCIETY
SECTION 1. – The Foundation

The organization was founded in 1991.

SECTION 2. – Name

The name of the organization shall be: THE INTERNATIONAL STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY SOCIETY (“ISRS”)

SECTION 3. – Purpose

The ISRS is organized to promote the development of the field of Stereotactic Radiosurgery as follows: by encouraging mutual fellowship, goodwill, and scientific collaboration between all physicians and scientists involved in the field of Stereotactic Radiosurgery; by elevating and sustaining the education of all involved in Radiosurgery; by establishing and promoting high standards for the treatment of patients with Radiosurgery; and by encouraging the accurate reporting of the results of Radiosurgery.

ARTICLE 2: OFFICERS
SECTION 1. – Positions

The Officers of the Society shall be the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Past President. All Officers must be active Members of the ISRS.

SECTION 2. – Election and Term of Office

The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve a term of two years. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by the ISRS active Members. Election of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be held every two years. The Treasurer by definition becomes the Secretary, the Secretary by definition becomes the Vice President and the Vice President by definition becomes the President of the following term. If a vacancy occurs in the office of President during their term of two years, the Vice President shall exercise the duties of President.

SECTION 3. – President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the ISRS, shall be a Member ex- officio of all standing Committees, shall be the Chair of the Board of Directors, and shall have general active management of the business of the ISRS. The President, or in the President’s absence, the Vice President, or in the Vice President’s absence the Secretary or in the Secretary’s absence, the Treasurer shall preside at all Board Meetings of the ISRS.

SECTION 4. – Vice President

In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all restrictions upon the President. The Vice President shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. 

SECTION 5. – Secretary

The Secretary shall maintain the minutes of the Meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform like duties for standing committees when required. The Secretary shall cause notice to be given of all Meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall function. The Secretary shall have authority to affix the seal of the ISRS to any instrument requiring it and to attest to its authenticity. The Board of Directors may give authority to any other Officer to affix and attest to the seal of the ISRS. The Secretary may also attest all instruments signed by the President or Vice President.

SECTION 6.-Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have custody of all ISRS funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the ISRS, and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the ISRS in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the ISRS as ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. Yearly, the Treasurer shall make a report of the finances of the ISRS from January 1st to December 31st of the previous year and present it to the Board of Directors, and shall otherwise render an account of transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the ISRS in accordance with currently acceptable accounting practices. The Treasurer shall report on the finances of the ISRS at each Board Meeting.

SECTION 7. – Past President

The Past President shall serve as an Officer and provide support and advice as needed to the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 3: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. – Powers

The business and affairs of the ISRS will be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which exercise all such powers of the ISRS and take all lawful actions not prohibited by the Bylaws. The Board of Directors consists of the five Officers plus eight other Board Members.

SECTION 2. – Number and Election

The Board of Directors shall consist of thirteen voting Members: the five Officers (the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and immediate Past President) who shall serve during their terms; and eight other Members of the Board of Directors who shall be elected (each for a four-year term) by the ISRS active Members. In addition, the President may appoint ex-officio Members to the Board of Directors, these appointments subsequently being ratified by the Board. Ex-officio Members shall have non-voting rights. Each Member of the Board of Directors elected shall hold office until such Member’s successor is elected or until such Member’s earlier resignation or removal. Members of the Board of Directors may be re-elected for consecutive terms. Officers cannot serve in the same position for more than one term. All Board Members must be physicians, physicists or medical scientists with advanced graduate degrees. Professional background among Board Members should be balanced to reflect the composition of the Membership, both by specialty and geographical, and the goals of the Society.

SECTION 3. – Vacancies

Any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled until the next possible vote by ISRS active Members by obtaining an affirmative vote from the majority of the Members of the Board of Directors in office, even if less than a quorum is present.

SECTION 4. – Board Meetings

Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors, including telephone conferencing, shall be held on such dates and at such times and locations as may be designated by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5. – Notice of Meetings

Notice of Meetings of the Board of Directors may be given either personally, by telephone, or by any other form of mail including electronic, addressed to the Members at least 10 days before the Meeting. Notice shall be deemed given when it is personally given or forwarded by mail or electronically. The notice need not specify the purpose of business of the Meeting.

SECTION 6. – Quorum and Vote at Meetings

At any Meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of Members in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of votes cast during a Meeting of the Board of Directors, duly called and at which a quorum is present, shall be sufficient to take or authorize action upon any matter which may properly come before the Meeting. If at any Meeting of the Board of Directors there is less than a quorum present, a majority of those present will adjourn the Meeting, without further notice, until a quorum is present. At any adjourned Meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original Meeting. The ISRS recognizes that business of the Society will take place between the formal Society Meetings held every two years. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a Meeting of the Board of Directors or a Meeting of ISRS active Members may be taken without a face-to-face Meeting if a two-thirds vote can be obtained (either by written letter, facsimile, electronic mail or electronic voting system). 

SECTION 7. – Resignation and Removal

Any Member of the Board of Directors may resign at any time by delivering a written resignation to the President or Secretary. Unless otherwise specified in such notice the resignation shall take effect upon its receipt. A Member of the Board of Directors may be removed from office by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the ISRS active Members present at any Meeting of the ISRS active Members duly called, and at which a quorum is present, only if, according to the judgement of the Members, the Board Member’s removal is in the best interest of the ISRS. If the resignation or removal is of the President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer, the Board of Directors will from its composition appoint a replacement, this by majority vote. A replacement will then be appointed to, and ratified by, the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8. – Reimbursement

Members of the Board of Directors shall not be entitled to compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred during authorized activities.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

The Membership is international in scope and there is no limit to the number of Members. A Membership term is for 2 years from date of membership approval or renewal by the membership committee.

SECTION 1. – Age of Members

There shall be no restriction on the age of a Member.

SECTION 2. – Requirements, Types, and Procedure for Membership

An applicant for Membership of the ISRS must be a physician (e.g. neurosurgeon, medical oncologist neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, neuroradiologist, neuro-otologist, etc.), medical physicist, dosimetrist, radiation therapist, radiation biologist/scientist, nurse or administrator, either certified or resident or trainee, or student whose interests and activity include Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy.

SECTION 2.1 – Active Members
An applicant for Active Membership must have:
  • A record consistent with the highest ethical and medical standards of his or her profession
  • An educational degree
Each application for active Membership shall file with the Membership Committee such documentation of eligibility requirements and such other information as is necessary to determine the applicant’s qualifications for Membership. Each applicant for active Membership shall become a candidate Member upon receipt of their formal application and dues payment. Candidate Members will be approved by the Membership Committee and if approved, shall then attain the status of active Member.
SECTION 2.2 – Associate Members

Associate members will have no voting privileges and be ineligible for board positions. An associate member’s dues are assessed based upon the most relevant category as deemed by the Membership Committee for that individual from one of the following:

  • Corporate
  • Non-Profit Patient Association
  • Young Investigators – Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows
SECTION 2.3 – Affiliated Members

Members of Local Societies invited to become an Affiliated Society may join as an Affiliated Member. Affiliated Members shall not be eligible to vote at the Business Meeting of the ISRS, or to hold Office in the ISRS. Any members of the ISRS may be suspended or expelled upon documentation of professional, ethical, or moral misconduct. Such action shall require recommendation by seven of the thirteen Board Members and two-thirds of the Membership voting. A Member suspended for any cause may apply to the Membership Committee for reinstatement. Any candidate for any status of membership must apply for membership. The application will be reviewed and must be approved by the Membership Committee.If approved and dues are paid, the candidate shall then attain the appropriate membership status. Membership lasts for two years from the date of approval or renewal.

SECTION 3. – Meetings of ISRS Members

The designated Business Meeting and any other regular Meetings of the Members shall be held on such dates and at such times and places as are determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, upon at least forty-five days written or electronic or other notice to Members. Whenever possible, Meetings will be scheduled during the Biennial Congress of the Society; however, virtual Meetings and/or teleconferences are also acceptable forms of Business Meetings.

SECTION 4. – Quorum and Voting Requirements

The presence of thirty percent of the Members (or forty Members, whichever is lower) entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The affirmative vote of a majority of those present at a Meeting at which a quorum exists shall be sufficient to take or authorize any action of the ISRS, unless otherwise required by law 

SECTION 5. – Nominations for Office

At least sixty days before the designated Meeting of the ISRS the Nominating Committee shall select and report to the Secretary the names of nominees for the offices to be filled. The Secretary shall advise the Membership in writing or electronic or other means of the nominees at least forty-five days before such Meeting. Not less than sixty days before the designated Meeting any twenty Members of the ISRS may nominate any additional eligible candidate for office in writing signed by each and sent to the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide written notice to each Member of any additional nominations at least thirty days before the designated Meeting.

SECTION 6. – Voting

Each Active Member of the ISRS shall be entitled to vote for the election of Officers and Board Members and to vote on other ballot measures at the designated Meeting. Voting will be by show of hands. If there is any election dispute then votes for each candidate shall be tabulated, the candidate with the fewest votes dropped from the slate, and further ballots completed until each vacancy is filled by a candidate who has received a majority of votes. In the event of a tie vote for any election of Officers or Members at large of the Board of Directors or for any other ballot measure the President shall cast the deciding vote.

SECTION 7. – Rules of Order

Robert’s Rules of Order governing deliberative bodies shall prevail at the Meetings of the ISRS unless otherwise stated in the Bylaws; however, if the application of such rules is not feasible, the Officer presiding at such Meetings may determine that another suitable body of rules shall prevail.

SECTION 8. – Biennial Membership Fees

The Biennial Membership Fees shall be established by the Board of Directors. Whenever possible, this will be presented in advance and voted on at the Biennial Meeting.

SECTION 9. – Suspension for Non Payment

Members, who are not updated on the payments of their dues to the ISRS, will lose their access to ISRS benefits by inactivation of their password needed to access services provided through the website. A default in payment of dues owed for six months shall automatically cause suspension of the Membership. Any Member whose Membership in the ISRS is suspended because of non-payment of dues as required may apply to the Membership Committee for reinstatement.

SECTION 10. – Special Assessment

The Board of Directors shall have the power to impose Special Assessments.

ARTICLE 5: COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. – Standing Committees
The ISRS shall establish standing Committees comprised of Board Members, ISRS Members or others appointed or re-appointed by the President. The Chair of each Standing Committee shall be a Member of the Board of Directors. The Officers may for any individual Meeting appoint an alternative Chair. Standing Committees include the following:
  1. Congress Meetings and Scientific Program Committee shall consist of Co-chairs and other Members who shall:
    • supervise and coordinate all aspects of the upcoming ISRS Biennial Scientific Meeting with local organizers
    • advise and provide suggestions for the Congress scientific content
    • report regularly on the progress of the organization of the Congress to the Officers of the Society and at each Board Meeting
  2. Membership Committee shall consist of Co-chairs and other Members who shall:
    • review and advise the Board on all applications for Membership and accept or refuse the new Members on a regular basis. Responsibilities shall also include the evaluation of a Member’s professional conduct if requested and suspension if appropriate (Article 4, section 2.D.)
    • collect additional names and/or databases for promotion to attract potential Members for the Society or Congress participants
    • be responsible for affiliation of ISRS affiliated Memberships with National Societies
    • arrange ISRS Business Meeting at the Biennial Congress
  3. Nominating Committee shall consist of the Officers of the Society who shall:
    • present candidates for election by the Board of Directors not less than sixty days before the Congress Meeting of the Society
  4. Publications Committee shall consist of Co-chairs and other Members who shall be responsible for:
    • creation and editing of the ISRS newsletter (6 x per year) and make contributions / suggestions for its scientific content
    • creation and editing of the Congress proceedings after each Biennial Congress and make contributions / suggestions for its scientific content
    • editing the www.isrsy.org website and providing suggestions to improve and increase its traffic and ensure that the website remains up to date. Review and test new pages prior to release
    • adding new posts on a regularly basis to ensure a social presence on Facebook / Linkedln and other social media
  5. Awards Committee shall consist of a Chair who shall:
    • recommend (before the upcoming Congress) to the Board of Directors names of ISRS Members worthy to receive the Jacob I. Fabrikant Award at the upcoming ISRS Congress
    • recommend (at the Congress) to the Board of Directors names of ISRS Members worthy to receive the Best Poster Award and The Young Investigator Award at the Congress Final selections are made by the ISRS Board Officers and Directors. New awardees must not currently hold ISRS Office.
  6. Webinars Committee shall consist of Co-chairs and other Members who shall:
    • maintain the Webinar program and ensure new webinars are given once every two weeks
    • approach potential speakers to contribute to the Webinar program
    • promote and increase attendance of the Webinars
    • set up and maintain CME credits for Webinar attendance
  7. Research Committee shall consist of Co-chairs and other Members who shall:
    • identify research opportunities under the ISRS umbrella. The research committee examines specific areas of SRS/SBRT to addresses scientific and clinical questions, and collates and conducts specific research projects
    • initiate international research collaborations
    • initiate working groups
  8. Credentialing Committee shall consist of a Chair and other Members who shall:
    • launch and promote an ISRS Credentialing service
    • develop a list of minimum standards for ISRS Credentialing
    • recruit a Credentialing group from ISRS Officers, Directors, Members
    • coordinate Credentialing visits
  9. Education Committee shall consist of Co-chairs and other Members who shall:
    • advise the Board of Directors on all projects concerning education, events, and virtual networking opportunities in the field of Radiosurgery relevant to the Society
    • organize ISRS Educational Courses and events to allow ISRS Credentialing of individual Members
    • organize of the pre-Congress ISRS Educational Course
    • ensure CME accreditation of the ISRS Congress
    • ensure that the online communication on courses and events are up to date and relevant
    • launch and promote ISRS endorsed events/courses and ISRS sponsored events/courses
    • set up criteria for ISRS endorsement and sponsoring of events/courses
  10. Bylaws Committee shall consist of a Chair and other Members who shall:
    • review the Bylaws annually and make recommendations for revision as necessary
    • collect and review proposed suggestions for revision
    • advise the Officers and Board of Directors and provide detailed knowledge of Bylaws during Board Meetings
SECTION 2. – Other Committees

Other Committees may be appointed by the President on an ad hoc basis, separate from the standing Committees. Each ad hoc Committee shall report to the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. – Quorums

The majority of each Committee shall constitute a quorum thereof. Each Committee may select its own Secretary.

SECTION 4. – Annual Report

The Chair of each standing Committee shall make a report to the Board of Directors at a time designated by the President and shall otherwise report to the Board of Directors upon request as warranted by such Committee’s activities.

SECTION 5. – Expenditures

Except to the extent specified in these Bylaws or authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors, no Committee or Committee Chair or Member shall be authorized to represent or bind the ISRS in any manner or to any degree, or to incur any liability, obligation, contract or debt on behalf of the ISRS.

SECTION 6. – Term of Office

The Term of Office of a Member of any Committee shall begin with the last day of the Biennial Meeting in the year of appointment. The Chair of a Committee shall serve at least 4 years and a Member at least 2 years. The only exception shall be in the case that Chair of a Committee has less than 4 years remaining in his / her Term of Office as a Board Member in which case he / she shall serve as Chair for the amount of time he / she remains a Board Member.

SECTION 7. – Meetings

Any Committee shall meet at the call of its Chair or majority of the Members of the Committee.

SECTION 8. – Voting

Each Committee Member shall be entitled to one vote, either in person or by signed proxy.

SECTION 9. – Publications

Publications of official information other than information directed by the Publication Committee, must be approved by the Board of Directors before publication. 

ARTICLE 6: INDEMNIFICATION

The ISRS shall indemnify to the maximum extent permitted by law (but only to the extent covered by any insurance the ISRS may from time to time maintain or as otherwise may be determined by the Board of Directors) each Board Member, and each former such person, against expenses, judgments, and fines actually and necessarily incurred by such Board Member in connection with the defense of any action, suit, proceeding, of whatever nature, whether civil, criminal, legislative, administrative, or investigative, in which such covered person is made a party by reason of serving the ISRS in such capacity.

This indemnification extends to any criminal action, suit, investigation or proceeding, provided that the same shall be dismissed against such covered person or that such covered person shall be found not guilty. Such indemnification likewise extends to a criminal action, suit, investigation or proceeding that is terminated by a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, to a charge of misdemeanor, provided that the conduct complained of on the part of the covered person was done in good faith and with the belief that it was done in the best interests of the ISRS and on the reasonable assumption of its legality.

No such reimbursement or indemnification shall relate to any expense incurred in connection with any matter as to which such covered person has been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of any duty. The indemnification herein shall not preclude other rights which such covered person may have under any agreement, vote of the Board of Directors, or otherwise. The indemnification provided herein shall be effective only upon a determination by the Board of Directors (upon the vote of disinterested Members of the Board of Directors only) or upon the Board of Director’s request, by independent legal counsel, that the standards for such indemnification have been met.

ARTICLE 7: AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be altered or amended at any Board Meeting of the ISRS, by two- thirds vote of those voting Members present at said Meeting provided a quorum is present and provided a written copy of said amendment is filed with the Secretary Treasurer and notice is given in writing or by electronic or other means to the Board Members at least 30 days before said Meeting.

ARTICLE 8: GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. – Execution of Instruments

All checks or demands for money and notes of the ISRS shall be signed by such Officer or Officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

SECTION 2. – Seal

The ISRS may have a seal of such design as the Board of Directors may adopt. The custody of this seal shall be with the Secretary who shall have authority to affix the seal to all instruments for which it is required.

SECTION 3. – Fiscal Year

The Fiscal Year of the ISRS is from January 1st till December 31st.

ARTICLE 9: DISSOLUTION

In the event that the Membership votes to dissolve the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society, all monies residual in the treasury after payment of all appropriate debts will be donated to the International Red Cross.

These Bylaws were last updated on February 7, 2020