IOS (UK) NE Chapter Meeting 27th Jan 2003
IOS UK
August 2002

Executive Committee Meetings Minutes

Dear colleagues,

I've noted down the minutes, this is a rough draft, I stand to be corrected. Pl send me comments/corrections asap (latest by 13 Oct) if any changes need to be made.

1. Members present: B Muddu, Ajit Shetty, Amar Rangan, M Srinivasan (President), Suresh Rao, Mahesh Dhebar.
2. Apologies: S Deshmukh (Secretary), V Shah (Treasurer), Krishnamurthy, B Peravali, R Nalla, S Geeranavar, R Koka.
3. Minutes of the previous meeting were noted and passed.
4. Items:

a) Registration of society: It was not clear if this had already been done as Geenravar was away. Srinivas to check with Geeranavar, and register as a charity or otherwise asap.

b) Name: It was agreed that for the time being the name of INDIAN ORTHOPAEDIC SOCIETY, UK was acceptable. The website is www.indianorthopaedicsociety.org.uk

c) Membership: The fees was ratified as previously agreed, ie Life members 100£, Annual membership 25 £. Arrangements for collection of subs fees by direct debit to be confirmed by Vinod Shah. 3 more members were welcomed since the last meeting. The total membership now stood at no more than 50. This was felt to be too low, considering there were approx 500 potential members in the UK. Recruitment should be given urgent priority, and various methods were discussed: by word of mouth, an ad in the BMJ/Hospital doctor, the newsletter, flyers, Posters during other meetings, appointment of a 'corresponding secretary' (who cd be one of the consultants' NHS secretary paid extra-time for this kind of work), and by the Internet/Website. Email addresses of each member will be available to enquirers on registering their details at the web-site. The 'corresponding secretary' cd follow-up these people to offer membership info.

d) Aims of the Society: Prolonged discussion took place on the actual purpose of the society. The previously stated 'aims' were felt to be only a description of our activity and not really a statement of our mission. In the end, the general feeling was that .... "This society exists for its members, and acts to foster a kinship among members to work for our mutual betterment both in our professional and personal lives. It shd provide a contact point for a network where help, support and advice was available. It cd act as a forum for discussing issues of mutual interest, and as a base for activities that would enhance the reputation of the members." It was easier, however, to agree on what the society was NOT: ie.... "it is not a political body, nor a career agency for placement to potential employees, nor an academic body. Any activities of the Society shd not alienate the members from their present commitment to the profession, and there shd be no conflict of interest with, for eg the BOA." Suggestions for specific wordings for a brief 'mission statement' that wd be put out in the web-site would be welcome.

e) Srinivasan demonstrated the new Website. The committee was impressed and wholeheartedly thanks Chitra for the hard work in designing and setting it up. (further details on address costs online registration security firewalls maintenance by Azeez from Srini)

f) Next meeting will be held at Samsung conference Centre, Teeside (Off A19) on 10-11 (Sat/Sun) May 2003. Amar Rangan, (Chairman of the Local Organising Committee), along with Hafiz Ahmed (local Vice Chairman), Ajit Shetty (local Treasurer), Vinod Singh (local Secretary) and Imtiaz Talkhani (Scientific comm) have chalked out an exciting program: (Sat) Lunch, Scientific session and a cruise and dinner aboard the 'Teeside Princess' accompanied to music. A bus will be available for the spouse to shop at Metro Centre on Sat afternoon. Excellent accommodation is available nearby at Holiday Inn. There will be free papers and invited guest speakers, for which it is hoped that 2-3 CME points will be awarded. (Sun) visit to Beamish Centre. The Society will consider subsidising the entire costs thru sponsorship deals to encourage attendance.

g) Tie -up with BOA for combined meeting in 2004 with Indian orthopaedic Assn: Details will be sought from Mr Jones by Muddu, and contact will be made by Srinivasan to invite the current and wd-be Presidents of IOA for talks/ arrangements asap when details are known.

h) Fellowships for Travel/visiting Centres of excellence in India for British Trainees and consultants: Upto 500£ is available to establish this as an on-going program. An exchange program is also possible, giving exposure to Indian consultants to current practice in UK. Muddu has volunteered to coordinate.

i) The comm thanked Veena and suresh for kindly hosting the meeting.

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