NASBS News and Upcoming Events

Vol 8 No 1 Archive

Minutes of the 1998 Annual Business Meeting

Dr. Steven A. Newman called the Annual Business Meeting to order at 5:00 pm. The minutes of the last business meeting that had been circulated were approved.

A number of reports were presented from the Board of Directors. Dr. Newman gave the President's Report. He reported that the board had approved funding for a web site on the NASBS, establishing another means of communications with the membership and others interested in skull base diseases. The site will be operational by mid-1998. It will include a members-only section to allow for discussions and information sharing. As a reminder of the web site, mouse-pads will be sent to all members with the web site address. Another major project started during his term of office will be to have the NASBS accredited as an ACCME approved provider of continuing education. The Pre-Application has been approved and is pending submission of the Final Application for Accreditation. The planning process for the 1998 Annual Meeting will be used as the example in the Final Application. Finally, Dr. Newman announced a formation of an ad-hoc committee to address the concerns of junior members of the Society. The committee will be chaired by Dr. Ali Krisht.

Dr. John P. Leonetti presented the Secretary's report. Information on the current state of membership and statistics for the past three years was distributed. As President-Elect, Dr. Leonetti also reported on the 1999 Annual Meeting, which will be held May 28-31, 1999 in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Leonetti voiced some concern that many senior members of the Society were not present at the Annual Meeting. Other members of the board present concurred. A question was raised from the floor whether there should be a by-laws change to require officers and board members to attend annual meetings. With regards to the 1999 Annual Meeting, plans are being formulated to have wide representation on panels. There will also be a practical course preceding the Annual Meeting. Dr. Leonetti will be looking for participation from a considerable number of members of the Society.

Dr. Donald C. Wright presented the Treasurer's report. The presentation included a 1997 Income-Expense report and a balance sheet as of December 31, 1998. Dr. Wright reported that we are holding discussions with Thieme, the publisher of Skull Base Surgery, which members receive as part of their membership. Subscription prices may increase, so the Board will hope to finalize discussion during 1998. Both the Secretary's and Treasurer's reports were accepted.

The Nomination Committee presented the slate of nominees for the following positions. There was some discussion on the nominees and the nomination process. As was expressed earlier in the meeting, concern was raised that those elected would participate wholeheartedly because of other professional and organizational commitments. Ballots were circulated, a vote was taken and the results were the following: President-Elect: Robert F. Spetzler, MD Secretary: Donald C. Wright, MD Treasurer: Thomas C. Origitano, MD, PhD Director-at-Large: Robert K. Jackler, MD Director-at-Large: Anil Nanda, MD Director-at-Large: Charles A. Jungreis, MD Nominating Committee: Franco De Monte, MD, W. Scott Jellish, MD, Michael J. Holliday, MD, Carl H. Snyderman, MD

Nominations were taken from the floor for a member to serve a three year term on the Audit Committee. Dr. Hae-Dong Jho was nominated and elected.

Dr. Leonetti presented the approved applicants for NASBS membership. A ballot list was circulated. The applicants were approved by the membership. A list of the new members of the NASBS is appended to these minutes.

In closing, Dr. Newman thanked the members of the current Board of Directors whose terms end at this Annual Meeting. They include three Board Members at Large (Dr. William W. Lo, Dr. Arthur L. Day and Dr. Juan F. Sanchez-Marle) and one Board of Advisors member (Dr. Peter G. Smith) for their years of service. He also commented on the future of the Society and the need to increase the involvement of younger members into the affairs of the Society.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.