Constitution
Constitution for the Scandinavian Association of Thoracic Surgery
As approved with amendments at the General Assembly
in Stockholm September 6th 2019
1. Name
The name of the organization is Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery (SATS).
2. Purpose
The overall purpose of the association is the advancement of thoracic surgery in the Nordic countries. The association shall hold scientific meetings and support research and education.
3. Language
The official language of the association is English.
4. Membership
There are three categories of memberships: active, honorary and senior. Active members are thoracic surgeons and cardiothoracic anesthesiologists, or trainees of any country. Every active member at upon retirement will automatically become a senior member. Senior members do not pay the membership fee. Honorary members are distinguished persons as may be deemed worthy of this honor by the board of the association. Candidates for active membership of the association, who are not automatically members through their national society, apply in writing to the secretary-general. The board decides if the application is accepted. The membership fee is set by the general assembly. Members not having paid their fee for three consecutive years will be removed from the membership registry. In order to qualify for the special congress fee the annual fee must be paid two months prior to the main annual meeting.
5. The board
The board of the association consists of two members from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark and Iceland appointed by the national societies. Board members are elected for 3 years and can be re-elected twice. The board elects secretary general, treasurer and vice secretary within the board. The general secretary can be appointed for a maximum of six years. The board takes care of all the activities of the association including the finances. An accountant appointed by the general assembly revises SATS accounts. The board also appoints representatives for specific tasks within and outside of the association.
6. Meetings
The SATS main meeting is held once a year. Other meetings in the name of the association are decided by the board. The place of the SATS main meeting rotates between the countries. The city and the meeting place must be accepted by the board. The general assembly takes place during the annual meeting. The general assembly approves the president for the next main meeting, place and time of the meeting at least two years in advance. The president of the annual main meeting sets up the organization committee and suggests main topics in agreement with the board.
7. General assembly
During the annual meeting of the association the annual general assembly takes place. The agenda shall include at least the following items: a report by the board including members and finances, a report from the accountant, a report by the president of the annual main meeting, and future meetings of the association.
8. Scientific program
The scientific program of the annual main meeting is planned by the local organizing committee in collaboration with the board of SATS. The scientific committee consists of the secretary-general, who is chairman, and one member from each Nordic country, appointed by the board. Members of the scientific committee are elected for 3 years.
9. Revision of By-Laws
These by-laws may be revised by the general assembly (with 2/3 majority) provided that the amendments have been sent to all members of SATS at least 4 weeks prior to the annual main meeting.