1.Purpose of the Working Groups

The Working Groups are scientific committees established within the Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery (TSTS) to support the aims stated in the society’s constitution.

Their main objectives are to:

• Conduct research on thoracic surgery-related topics,
• Generate knowledge and create clinical guidelines,
• Disseminate information and guidelines to members and the public when needed,
• Organize public awareness activities,
• Plan and support initiatives that aim to improve the quality of education and healthcare services in thoracic surgery.

2.Establishment of Working Groups

The topics of the Working Groups are determined by the Executive Board of the TSTS. New groups may also be established based on suggestions by members, upon the approval of the Executive Board.

3.Structure of the Working Groups

A.Membership

• Only members of the Turkish Society of Thoracic Surgery can join Working Groups.
• A member can belong to a maximum of two Working Groups but can only serve on the Executive Committee of one.
• Applications for membership must be submitted via email to the group’s secretary at least one month before elections.
• No additional membership fee is required beyond the standard society dues.
• Members can vote in the Executive Committee elections of the group they selected as their first choice.

B.General Assembly of the Working Group

• The General Assembly is composed of all Working Group members.
• It meets every two years during the national congress and once annually in between.
• The Executive Committee is elected by secret ballot during the biennial meeting.

C.Executive Committee of the Working Group

• C1. The committee consists of 5 members. Among themselves, they elect a Chair and a Secretary. Additionally, the top 3 runners-up in the election serve as substitute members.
• C2. The term of office is 2 years.
• C3. At the end of the term, a new Executive Committee is elected by secret ballot by the General Assembly for the next two years.
• C4. There is no term limit for serving as Chair or member.
• C5. A member cannot serve on more than one Working Group Executive Committee at the same time.
• C6. Candidates must have experience in the field relevant to the Working Group.
• C7. The Executive Committee must meet at least twice a year, including during the national congress. Meetings are held as needed based on the group’s activities. All decisions are recorded in writing and submitted to the TSTS Executive Board. Decisions are made by majority vote; in case of a tie, the Chair’s vote prevails. Decisions take effect upon approval by the TSTS Executive Board.
• C8. Any member who fails to attend more than half of the annual meetings is dismissed from the committee.

D. Duties and Activities of the Working Groups

D1. Working Groups organize seminars, training courses, scientific meetings, public education programs, and other scientific or educational activities approved by the TSTS Executive Board. These aim to collect knowledge related to their field and facilitate knowledge exchange among members. Each group prepares an annual activity plan in coordination with the TSTS Executive Board.
They may also organize additional scientific meetings outside this plan, but such events must be approved by the TSTS Executive Board at least one month in advance.

D2. Members of the Working Groups take part in the scientific program of the TSTS National Congress, in accordance with their area of focus. Scientific meetings organized by the Working Groups cannot be held within one month before or after the National Congress.

D3. Scientific meetings organized by Working Groups are open to all interested participants.

D4. Working Groups are encouraged to initiate and organize research activities relevant to their field, especially multicenter national studies in collaboration with the TSTS Executive Board.
They also create and maintain national databases in their areas. Data from each year should be submitted to the TSTS Executive Board within the first three months of the following year.

D5. Working Groups contribute to the preparation of clinical guidelines in their fields, in collaboration with relevant professional associations.

D6. If necessary, Working Groups may form specialized review or consensus panels, either with other Working Groups or related organizations, for in-depth assessment and investigation on specific topics. Approval must be obtained from the TSTS Executive Board. The results of such activities are reported to the Board at the end of the working period.

D7. Working Groups may prepare informational or promotional printed materials related to their field. The TSTS Executive Board must be informed about these materials, and publication can only be done with the Board’s approval.

D8. With approval from the TSTS Executive Board, Working Groups may establish relationships with international working groups in the same field. They may also support the nomination of representatives to serve in those international groups on behalf of the society.

D9. Working Groups do not have a separate budget. If necessary, the main society’s account is used for expenses.

D10. The aim of the External Relations and Strategy Development Working Group is to address professional challenges, seek solutions, advocate for members’ rights, and contribute to the development of favorable healthcare policies for thoracic surgery. It also supports the society in maintaining relations with the Ministry of Health, professional chambers, relevant institutions, and other medical associations.
The group helps establish and sustain professional relationships with international thoracic surgery societies. Due to the broad scope of its work, the Executive Committee of this group should consist of 10 full and 4 substitute members. Once established, the structure should be submitted to the TSTS Executive Board. Members who are not part of the committee but are deemed valuable to the group’s activities may be appointed with the approval of the Executive Board.

D11. If a Working Group conducts activities that are harmful to the society or its members, or fails to carry out any activities for two consecutive years, the Executive Board has the authority to terminate that Working Group.