Creating A Division

Establishing a New IAP Division

Pathologists wishing to establish a new Division of the IAP in a country or region where there is no pre-existing Division should undertake the following steps:

1. Discuss the proposal with one or more Officers of the Academy and with Officers of Divisions in neighboring regions.
2. Review the Constitution and Bylaws of the IAP and obtain copies of the Constitutions of several Divisions, particularly those in the same region or with a similar culture or social system.
3. Organize a group of colleagues who are medical graduates, who have completed a minimum of four years of training and experience in pathology, and who have demonstrated an interest in research and teaching (see IAP Bylaws Chapter 1). These individuals should support and be actively involved in forming a new Division of the IAP.
4. Consult with two or three of the most interested and energetic local pathologists and draft a provisional Constitution modeled on one of the existing Divisions’ Constitutions and adapted to meet local requirements. Local legal advice should be obtained at this stage, particularly regarding corporate law, nonprofit status, and tax exemptions.
5. Convene a meeting of interested pathologists from as many centers in the country or region as possible. For a viable Division, a minimum of 15 and ideally 25 pathologists should attend and support the proposal.
6. Formally resolve at the meeting to establish a new Division in accordance with the aims and objectives of the IAP as outlined in its Constitution and By-Laws.
7. Adopt the proposed Constitution of the new Division in its final format.
8. Elect officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Councilors, etc.) in accordance with the newly adopted Constitution.
9. Ratify the adoption of an appropriate annual membership fee and a list of paid-up members.

Submitting a Request for Approval

The new Divisional Secretary should submit a letter to the Secretary of the International Academy of Pathology notifying them of the formation of the provisional Division and requesting approval by the International Council of the IAP at its next meeting.

Include with the letter:

• A copy of the newly adopted Constitution.
• A list of Officers with contact information and a list of paid-up members.
• A statement confirming that the new Division will submit the appropriate US dollar amount per member annually as dues to the IAP Treasurer once approved by the International Council.
• Ensure that the legal liability of members of the new Division is limited when the Division becomes incorporated as a legal entity under local laws.

Please Note:

The International Academy of Pathology has no authority to impose restrictions or sanctions on pathologists from any country. There is no provision for sanctions in the Constitution, nor have such actions been undertaken in the past, including during periods of war or upheaval. The Academy is strictly non-political. Any group that fulfills the above requirements and adopts a Constitution consistent with the aims, objectives, and ideals of the IAP as set out in Article II of the IAP Constitution should be accepted.

Relationship of IAP Divisions to Local Pathology Societies

The IAP and its Divisions form an international network for education and research in anatomical and surgical pathology and cytology. Other pathology societies may be restricted to local, national, or regional scopes; may focus on other pathology disciplines; may be involved in examinations and certification; or may have industrial, financial, or political roles.

There are no restrictions on the relationships between IAP Divisions and other local pathology societies or organizations. In some regions, an IAP Division may be entirely separate from other societies. In others, joint meetings or shared activities may occur, including overlapping membership or leadership structures. This arrangement can be a cost-effective way to provide an international extension to a local society.

The form of these relationships is not a concern of the IAP, provided they do not contravene the IAP Constitution and continue to support the aims and objectives of the Academy.

If you have any questions about membership with IAP Divisions or about any of our services, please contact us.