Name and Headquarters of the Society:
Article 1 – Name and Headquarters
The name of the association is Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery (TSTS).
The association was established on May 27, 1998, and has been recognized as a public benefit organization by the Council of Ministers under decree no. 2908.
The association may establish branches as needed.
Headquarters:
Mustafa Kemal Mh., 2132. Sk., No: 9/6
Çankaya, 06530, Ankara, Türkiye
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Article 2 – Legal Basis
This statute has been prepared in accordance with Law No. 5253 on Associations, which was published in the Official Gazette on November 23, 2004, issue no. 25649.
Article 3 – Objectives and Fields of Activity
The Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery is a professional association established to support the development of the thoracic surgery discipline and to promote professional, scientific, and social relationships among those working in the field. It protects the professional rights of its members and upholds the highest ethical standards in all its activities. The Society takes an active role in shaping the evolving healthcare landscape, in line with its bylaws and core health policy principles. It collaborates with other non-governmental organizations under the framework of its constitution and principles. The Society operates on three main axes: professional activities, education, and social engagement.
• In the area of professional activities:
• • Monitors working conditions nationwide and intervenes when necessary.
• • Works to protect and improve members’ rights, legally and institutionally.
• • Appoints representatives throughout Türkiye and abroad.
• • Remains apolitical while providing recommendations to state institutions.
• In the area of education:
• • Follows scientific developments and organizes academic meetings.
• • Conducts local research and develops public education activities.
• • Plans and implements education at all levels and establishes facilities.
• • Collaborates with national and international organizations.
• • Invites international educators and experts.
• • Supports and rewards researchers and research projects.
• • Establishes an independent Qualification Board accountable to its General Assembly.
• In the area of social engagement:
• • Organizes public meetings, conferences, and surveys.
• • Conducts cultural and social events to build community and raise funds.
• • May acquire, lease, or sell properties to fulfill its mission.
Article 4 – Membership
Any individual who has the legal capacity to exercise civil rights and is not prohibited from association membership under the applicable law may become a member of the Society. Membership is divided into two categories: full membership and honorary membership.
1. a) Full Members:
Specialists in thoracic surgery, research assistants currently receiving training in thoracic surgery, and medical doctors or research assistants working in related fields may become full members. Full members have the right to vote and be elected to the Society’s boards including the Executive, Supervisory, Ethics, and Scientific Committees. They are required to pay an entrance fee and an annual membership fee.
2. b) Honorary Members:
Individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of thoracic surgery through their work, served the profession or the Society for many years, or have retired from active practice, may be accepted as honorary members by decision of the Executive Board. Foreign individuals without residency in Türkiye may also become honorary members. Honorary members who were previously full members have the right to vote in the General Assembly, but they are not required to pay dues.
Article 5 – Membership Application
To become a member, individuals who meet the criteria outlined in Article 4(a) must fill out an application form and submit a formal petition. Applications can be submitted directly to the Society’s headquarters or through its representatives. Applicants must include a certified document indicating their current employment status and a curriculum vitae (CV). The Executive Board is required to review and finalize the application—either approving or rejecting it—within 30 days and notify the applicant accordingly.
Article 6 – Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by the decision of the Executive Board in the following cases:
• a) Members who lose legal capacity or are declared legally absent under the relevant provisions of the Turkish Civil Code.
• b) Members who submit a written resignation to the Executive Board or in the event of death.
• c) Members who fail to pay annual dues for two consecutive periods and, despite being warned at least once, do not settle the payment or provide valid justification.
• d) Members who act against the objectives or the bylaws of the Society, obstruct Society activities, damage its institutional reputation, or are recommended for expulsion by the Ethics Committee. In such cases, the Executive Board presents the matter to the General Assembly for a final decision. The decision of the General Assembly is final, subject to judicial review, and will be communicated to the members.
Article 7 – Organs of the Association
The organs of the Association are as follows:
• • General Assembly
• • Executive Board
• • Supervisory Board
• • Ethics Committee
Article 8 – General Assembly
All registered members of the Association constitute the General Assembly. The main duties of the General Assembly are as follows:
• a) Elect full and substitute members of the Executive Board for a two-year term.
• b) Elect full and substitute members of the Supervisory Board for a two-year term.
• c) Elect full and substitute members of the Ethics Committee for a two-year term.
• d) Review and approve the annual activity report prepared by the Executive Board and the audit report by the Supervisory Board.
• e) Decide on legal action against Executive Board members deemed responsible and remove them from office if necessary.
• f) Approve the proposed budget and work plan submitted by the Executive Board, with or without amendments.
• g) Make amendments to the bylaws and/or decide on the dissolution of the Association when necessary.
• h) Decide on the Association’s participation in or withdrawal from international organizations.
• i) Decide on membership expulsions proposed by the Executive Board.
• j) Authorize the Executive Board on matters related to the acquisition, sale, or rental of real estate, and the establishment of foundations or business enterprises.
• k) Modify the official emblem of the Association.
• l) Perform other duties assigned by the bylaws or legislation.

Note: Full translation will be continued in the next steps to ensure accurate formatting and content integrity.
Article 9 – General Assembly Meetings
The ordinary General Assembly meeting is held once every two years in December during the National Congress, or on a different date and location determined by the Executive Board.
• An extraordinary General Assembly may be called:
• a) When deemed necessary by the Executive or Supervisory Board.
• b) Upon written request by one-fifth of the full members.
Article 10 – Notification and Quorum
The Executive Board prepares a list of members entitled to attend the General Assembly. Members are notified of the meeting at least 15 days in advance via a national newspaper, the Society’s website, email, text message, or local media, including the meeting’s date, time, place, and agenda. If the first meeting cannot be held due to lack of quorum, the second meeting’s details are also announced. The second meeting must occur within 7 to 60 days from the original date. If the meeting is postponed for other reasons, members are informed following the same procedure. The rescheduled meeting must be held within six months. Only one postponement is permitted.
Article 11 – Meeting Procedures
The General Assembly meetings are held at a venue approved by the Executive Board. The meeting is convened with the attendance of more than half of the eligible members. If quorum is not met, the second meeting is held without requiring a quorum, provided that at least twice the number of Executive and Supervisory Board members are present.
Attendees sign next to their names on the attendance sheet prepared by the Executive Board. If quorum is met, the meeting is opened by the President or a designated Executive Board member. The Assembly elects a Chair and two Secretaries by open vote to manage the session. The Chair presides over the meeting; Secretaries record and sign the minutes with the Chair. All documents are submitted to the Executive Board at the end of the meeting.
Only items on the announced agenda are discussed. The agenda is sent via email or posted on the Society’s website at least one week in advance. Additional items can be added to the agenda upon written request by at least one-tenth of the attending members. Each member has one vote; proxy voting is not allowed.
Article 12 – Decision-Making
Decisions are made by simple majority vote. Amendments to the bylaws or the dissolution of the Society require a two-thirds majority of attendees. Unless otherwise stated in the bylaws, decisions are made by open vote. Elections are conducted by secret ballot and open counting. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected as full members; the next in line become substitute members.
Article 13 – Executive Board
The Executive Board consists of 9 full members elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term. Additionally, 5 substitute members are elected. The newly elected Executive Board selects a President, General Secretary, and Financial Secretary from among its members. Unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly, board members are elected by secret ballot using an open list or block list. In the case of a tie, lots are drawn to determine the ranking. Vacancies are filled by substitute members in order of votes received.
The term of office is two years. Elections are held during every ordinary General Assembly. Members can be re-elected. However, no individual may serve as President for more than two consecutive terms.
Article 14 – Duties and Authorities of the Executive Board
The Executive Board meets at least once every three months upon the call of the President and makes decisions by majority vote. Any member who misses three consecutive meetings without excuse is deemed to have resigned.
The duties and authorities of the Executive Board are as follows:
• a) Represent the Society or delegate this authority to one or more members.
• b) Carry out activities aligned with the objectives of the Society.
• c) Manage the Society’s financial operations, set membership dues, prepare the budget and activity report, and propose budget reallocations if necessary.
• d) Implement decisions made by the General Assembly.
• e) Review and decide on membership applications.
• f) Establish subcommittees for scientific activities, assign responsibilities, supervise or dissolve them as necessary.
• g) Issue warnings to members, refer cases to the Ethics Committee, and recommend expulsion to the General Assembly when required.
• h) Organize national and international congresses and scientific events.
• i) Propose amendments to the bylaws to the General Assembly.
• j) Establish and operate protective, therapeutic, and educational facilities.
• k) Purchase or lease property, hire staff, and manage administrative tasks.
• l) Call for ordinary and extraordinary General Assembly meetings.
• m) Propose honorary membership nominations to the General Assembly.
• n) Fulfill other duties assigned by law or bylaws.
• o) Handle legal representation, litigation, settlement, and delegation of legal authority.
• p) Appoint representatives with the authority granted by the General Assembly.
• r) Decide on publications and financially support selected research projects.
• s) Assign members to organize or represent the Society in national and international events and associations.
• t) Create guidelines for working groups and conduct elections during the congress every two years. Dissolve inactive groups or establish new ones upon request.
• u) Standardize the Society’s publications, appoint editorial boards, and prepare guidelines for publication policies.
• v) Appoint editors and directors of the Society’s publications.
Article 15 – Duties of the President and Board Members
President: The administrative and scientific representative of the Society. Convenes board meetings when needed and sets the agenda with the Secretary General. Chairs meetings and executes financial and administrative actions on behalf of the Society. Authorized to open/close bank accounts and co-sign withdrawals.
General Secretary: Maintains member registry, decision logs, and correspondence records. Handles official communication and meeting preparations. Acts on behalf of the President in their absence.
Financial Secretary: Maintains financial records, prepares the budget, manages receipts and payments, and reports financial status to the Board.
Members: Participate in Board meetings with voting rights and take on specific responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
Article 16 – Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board consists of 3 full and 3 substitute members elected by secret ballot for a two-year term. The members elect a Chair among themselves. They may inspect the Society’s records individually or collectively and attend Executive Board meetings. The Executive Board must provide all requested documents. The Supervisory Board is accountable to the General Assembly and meets at least twice a year. They inspect the Society’s accounts and submit a report to the Executive Board and General Assembly. If legal or statutory violations are identified, they may request an extraordinary General Assembly meeting.
Article 17 – Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee consists of 3 full and 3 substitute members elected by the General Assembly. Candidates must be full members, at least 45 years old, and have 15 years of experience in thoracic surgery.
• a) Take measures to uphold professional ethics and honor.
• b) Review complaints forwarded by the Executive Board and evaluate them based on laws and internal regulations.
• c) Recommend disciplinary actions, including warning, reprimand, or expulsion, for members who violate professional conduct or damage the Society’s reputation.
Article 18 – Branches of the Association
Branches may be established by decision of the General Assembly. With authorization from the Executive Board, three eligible members residing in the proposed location must apply to the local administrative authority with required documents, including the authorization letter and the Society’s bylaws. Branches must comply with the central bylaws, except for address-specific changes.
Branches elect their own President and Executive Board. They operate under the supervision of the central Executive Board, which retains authority to temporarily or permanently dismiss branch boards with a majority vote.
Branches must hold their ordinary general assembly meetings at least two months before the central General Assembly and submit their results within 45 days to both the local authority and headquarters.
Branch names must follow the format: “Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery … Branch”.
• Branch organs include:
• A) Branch General Assembly
• B) Branch Executive Board
• C) Branch Supervisory Board
The Branch General Assembly meets every two years in September. Extraordinary meetings may be held upon request of the Executive Board, Supervisory Board, or one-fifth of branch members. Meeting procedures follow the rules defined for the central General Assembly.
• Branch General Assembly duties include:
• 1) Electing branch organs.
• 2) Proposing amendments to the bylaws.
• 3) Reviewing reports of other branch organs.
• 4) Approving branch budgets and accounts.
• 5) Fulfilling other duties defined by regulations and the bylaws.
The Branch Executive Board consists of 5 full and 5 substitute members elected for two years by secret ballot. Branches cannot be established in regions with fewer than 25 members. Vacancies are filled by substitute members in order of votes received.
• Duties of the Branch Executive Board include:
• 1) Representing the branch or delegating authority.
• 2) Managing finances and preparing budgets.
• 3) Calling and preparing agendas for general meetings.
• 4) Requesting emergency meetings from the central Executive Board.
• 5) Maintaining communication and coordination with headquarters.
• 6) Fulfilling other legal and statutory responsibilities.
• 7) Reporting branch activities to headquarters by April 15 each year.
• 8) Ensuring branch members are directly represented in the central General Assembly.
Three full and three substitute auditors are elected from among full members for a two-year term. They inspect all branch activities at least every six months and report findings to the Branch Executive Board.
Article 19 – Duties and Responsibilities of Branches
Branches shall:
• 1) Organize scientific studies and meetings.
• 2) Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Board.
• 3) Submit reports to the Executive Board every six months.
Article 20 – Qualification Board
The Qualification Board operates in accordance with its internal directive and is accountable to the Executive Board of the Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery.
Article 21 – Financial Provisions: Income Sources
The Association’s income sources include:
• a) Membership dues.
• b) Income generated from assets.
• c) Donations and grants collected in accordance with legal regulations.
• d) Income from scientific publications, courses, and educational activities.
• e) Revenue from congresses, symposiums, workshops, and other scientific events.
• f) Proceeds from patents, utility models, or new products developed through supported research.
• g) Interest income and income from government bonds and securities.
• h) Advertising and sales income from the website and electronic publications.
Article 22 – Expenditures
The Association’s expenses include:
• a) Rent, utilities, staff salaries, insurance, transportation, etc.
• b) Costs of publishing journals, books, and similar materials.
• c) Expenses for congresses and scientific events, including printing of reports and announcements.
• d) Travel and accommodation for members involved in boards and commissions.
• e) Public awareness activities related to thoracic surgery.
• f) Costs of exhibition booths at national and international congresses and related travel and accommodation expenses.
• g) Expenses for members representing the Association at national and international meetings.
• h) Floral arrangements and similar expenses for events and ceremonies.
• i) Costs of diplomas, pins, badges, plaques, and similar items for members.
Article 23 – Membership Dues
The entrance and annual membership fees for full members are determined by the Executive Board.
Article 24 – Amendments to the Bylaws
The bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members attending the General Assembly, upon the proposal of the Executive Board or by at least one-tenth of the total membership. Proposed amendments must be announced to members via the official website at least one week prior to the meeting.
Article 25 – Internal Regulations
The Executive Board may prepare internal regulations, which must be finalized by the General Assembly, to ensure proper governance and internal auditing of the Association.
Article 26 – Principles for Tracking Income and Expenses
All income must be documented with a receipt, and all expenditures must be supported by invoices or similar documents, kept for at least five years. Receipts must include the full name and signature of the recipient. Only authorized board members or designated individuals may collect donations.
The Association may incur debt up to 20% of its total assets in accordance with the Law on Associations.
Article 27 – Books and Records
The Association must maintain the following records:
• 1) Decision Book: Records all Executive Board decisions in order with signatures.
• 2) Member Registry: Lists all members, including entry and exit dates, and dues paid.
• 3) Document Logbook: Logs all incoming and outgoing correspondence chronologically.
• 4) Cashbook: Lists all income and expenses in an orderly manner.
• For associations using the balance sheet system, the following are also required:
• • Journal and General Ledger: Maintained according to Tax Procedures Law and relevant regulations.
Digital record-keeping is permitted according to Ministry regulations, as long as it complies with applicable rules.
Article 28 – Dissolution and Liquidation
The Association may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote at the General Assembly, provided two-thirds of members are present. If quorum is not met, a second meeting is held without a quorum requirement, but still requires a two-thirds majority of attendees to approve dissolution.
Upon dissolution, the General Assembly decides how to distribute the assets to a relevant association, federation, or professional body in line with the Society’s objectives.
Article 29 – Governing Provisions
For any matters not addressed in these bylaws, the provisions of the Law on Associations and the Turkish Civil Code shall apply.
Article 30 – Emblem of the Association
The Executive Board presents emblem designs to the General Assembly, which selects the official emblem. The emblem is used in all official correspondence and may not be distributed or used outside of the Association without Board approval.
Article 31 – Borrowing Procedures
The Association may borrow funds or purchase goods and services on credit with the approval of the Executive Board. However, borrowing must not exceed the Association’s ability to repay and may not cause financial strain.
This statute consists of 31 articles.
Founding Members information is available upon request.
Founding Members
Prof. Dr. Şinasi Yavuzer
Born in: Erzincan, 1941
Home Address: Koza St. 114/86 Gaziosmanpaşa, Ankara
Work Address: Head, Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Ankara University, Sıhhiye, Ankara

Prof. Dr. İlker Ökten
Born in: Gölcük, 1948
Home Address: 35 St. No:22 Bahçelievler, Ankara
Work Address: Faculty Member, Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Ankara University, Sıhhiye, Ankara

Prof. Dr. Hadi Akay
Born in: Çubuk, 1946
Home Address: Çiçekdağ St. No:2/2 Gaziosmanpaşa, Ankara
Work Address: Faculty Member, Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Ankara University, Sıhhiye, Ankara

Prof. Dr. Şevket Kavukçu
Born in: Çorum, 1951
Home Address: 7th St. No:13/1 Bahçelievler, Ankara
Work Address: Faculty Member, Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Ankara University, Sıhhiye, Ankara

Op. Dr. Güven Çetin
Born in: Ankara, 1939
Home Address: Ergin St. 31/12 Tandoğan, Ankara
Work Address: Chief, 1st Surgical Clinic, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Center, Ankara

Prof. Dr. Göksel Kalaycı
Born in: Istanbul, 1939
Home Address: Naima St., İlbey Complex, Block 12, Apt. 3, Yeşilköy, Istanbul
Work Address: Faculty Member, Dept. of Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery, Istanbul University, Çapa Faculty of Medicine

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atilla Gürses
Born in: Amasya, 1949
Home Address: Bülent Tarcan St., Meriç Konak Apt., No. 4, Gayrettepe, Istanbul
Work Address: Chief, 1st Surgical Clinic, Yedikule Chest Surgery Center, Istanbul

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Levent Elbeyli
Born in: Gaziantep, 1958
Home Address: 14th St. No:19/5 Sarıgüllük District, Gaziantep
Work Address: Chair, Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yiğit Akçalı
Born in: Kadirli, 1954
Home Address: Mustafa Kemal Paşa Blvd. No.131/20, Kayseri
Work Address: Faculty Member, Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine