AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR LASER MEDICINE AND SURGERY, INC.

BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

Date:                   April 4, 2009

Time:                   11:30 a.m.

Place:                  Maryland C&D, Gaylord NationalTM Resort and Convention Center

Dr. Brian Biesman, president of ASLMS, called the meeting to order. Dr. Biesman declared a quorum based on a survey of the membership in attendance.  Dr. Biesman asked for additions or changes to the agenda for the meeting.  There being none, Dr. Biesman asked for approval of the minutes of the April 5, 2008, business meeting.  A motion was made to approve the minutes of the last meeting, which was seconded and passed without objection. 

TREASURER'S REPORT

The President then asked for a report from the Treasurer, Dr. George Hruza.   Dr. Hruza reported that the biggest change was lack of revenue generated from the Society’s investment portfolio. Although revenue was down $500,000 in 2008 because of investment losses, the Society is still operating in the black.  Revenue and expenses have increased in concert so the operational expenses have remained stable.  The loss in revenue reflects losses in the reserve because of investments in the stock market. This may impact in the near future the amount spent on discretionary programs, such as research grants.

ELECTION RESULTS

Dr. Biesman then announced the election results, which are as follows:

Vice President                                                   -             Brian D. Zelickson, M.D.

Board Representative – Laser Surgery            -             Jason N. Pozner, M.D.

Board Representative – Laser Surgery            -             Elizabeth L. Tanzi, M.D.

Board Representative – Laser Medicine           -             Robert A. Weiss, M.D.

Nominating Committee                                     -             Kenneth A. Arndt, M.D.

                                                                          -             Roy G. Geronemus, M.D.

                                                                          -             Christopher B. Zachary, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.

NEW BUSINESS

No new business to be addressed.

Dr. Biesman presented a plaque to Dr. E. Duco Jansen for his exemplary service as Vice President. 

Dr. Biesman presented a plaque to Dr. Brian Zelickson for his exemplary service as Program Chair. 

SECRETARY'S REPORT

Dr. Biesman then asked for the Secretary's report by Dr. J. Stuart Nelson.  Dr. Nelson reported that the membership had grown to 4,396 by the end of December 2008. However, the current membership is 3,927, as of March 2009, which reflects the number of renewals received as of that date. The Get-a-Member program has been very successful the last 2 years and membership increased about 800-900 during that time due to this program.  Dr. Nelson encouraged members to participate and earn rewards while helping the Society grow. The Annual Conference attendance in 2008 was 2538 which was up from the 2369 attendance in 2007.  The 2009 Annual Conference had a 23% reduction in attendance of 1,857 which reflects the economy where people are traveling less and attending fewer medical symposia.  Abstracts for 2009 were also down 20% which is again a reflection of the economic downturn.  Dr. Nelson commended Dr. Biesman for encouraging all the Board members as well as other members to donate to the Research Fund which received $28,000 in 2008 as compared to $12,000 in 2007.

Dr. Nelson then presented Dr. Biesman with a plaque in appreciating of his dedication and untiring and devoted service as this year’s president.

Dr. Biesman introduced the President-Elect, Dr. R. Rox Anderson, who will assume the presidency. 

Dr. Anderson stated that 2010 would mark the 50th year since the laser was invented.  He encouraged the membership to get involved locally and nationally by participating in the Laserfest sponsored by the Optical Society of America.  Dr. Anderson was proud that the ASLMS is the premier organization for lasers and embodies four characteristics.  First, the Society is the most diverse professional Society in this field which is an asset and a challenge which must continue to be embraced.  Second, the Society is creative.  It is able to incorporate good basic science and engineering to solve practical problems.  Third, there is a shared purpose in the Society which is to offer high quality, safe, effective care for people with severe medical problems.  It is the Society’s obligation to protect people from being hurt by lasers by ensuring that safety standards are publicized and that those who use lasers are qualified which is part of the fourth characteristic of the Society: a willingness to act and to make a difference in the world.

Dr. Anderson thanked Drs. Brian Zelickson, Brian Biesman and J. Stuart Nelson as well as the ASLMS Central Office for their contribution and dedication in making the Society the success it has become.

Dr. Anderson asked for a motion for adjournment.  The motion was made and seconded.  All present were in favor and the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

J. Stuart Nelson, M.D., Ph.D.

Secretary