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ABOUT APPNA ARIZONA
The foundational rules, legal bylaws, and democratic framework that ensure transparent operation, professional compliance, and democratic accountability.
Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America, Arizona Chapter, thereafter referred to as APPA, is the Arizona arm of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America thereafter referred to as APPNA, which is a national organization. APPA is governed by the constitution of APPNA and operates by charter from this national organization.
Any medical graduate (medicine or dentistry) of Pakistani origin resident of Arizona for at least six months can join APPA. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of religion, sex or race.
General body shall consist of full, associate, courtesy and honorary members of association. This will be the supreme authority of the association for the conduct of affairs. All actions taken by any officer, board or committee of the association may be approved, rejected by this body.
Funds for the meetings and expenses of the association activities shall be financed by annual dues, special and voluntary contributions. The financial status of the association will be presented by the treasurer to the general body in the annual spring meeting and sent to the treasurer of APPNA. All monies of the association will be banked and kept with the parent organization, APPNA accounts and accountant. The annual dues shall be $25.
Members of APPA shall pay such dues and assessments as shall from time to time, be determined by the executive board. Physicians in training are exempt from membership dues.
Arrears/Suspensions – Any member, whose dues are not paid by March 31st, will be considered in arrears. If in arrears in the payment of dues or assessments to APPA one month after notification (if no extension of time for payment has been granted by Secretary and Treasurer, or upon expiration of any extension that may have been granted) shall be suspended from current membership until all sums in arrears have been paid.
Determination of time and place – There will be at least two meetings every year. During each session, APPA may hold any number of general meetings. The number and time of these meetings shall be determined either by the members present in the prior meeting or the executive board. The membership may direct the officers and board to appoint committees for scientific, cultural and social activities. General Meetings shall be presided over by the President, or in his/her absence, by the Secretary, in his/her absence by the Treasurer or by the Immediate Past President. There will be a minimum of three executive board meetings yearly.
Quorum – presence of at least 25% paying members of APPA shall constitute the quorum of the general body. A simple majority of those present shall be required for adoption of a resolution or direct action. For executive council, 50% of its members will constitute a quorum.
Term of Office – Officers shall take office January 1st after the election. All officers shall serve until their respective successors have been elected. Election of President, Secretary, and Treasurer will be held at the fall meeting. Immediate past president will remain active in an advisory capacity in the first year post his/her term of office.
President – The president shall be the general executive officer of APPA. He/she will serve a term of office for one year and for no more than two consecutive terms. He/she shall
Secretary – The Secretary shall be an active member of the association. He/she will serve a term of office for one year and for no more than two consecutive terms. He/she shall
Treasurer – The Treasurer shall be an active member of the association. He/she will serve a term of office for one year and for no more than two consecutive terms. He/she shall
The President with the advice of executive council shall appoint standing committees of APPA. The composition and the duties thereof shall be mentioned there in. The Committees shall be:
Nomination – Nominations can be proposed and seconded by at least two paying members of the general body at the meeting prior to the termination of the office term. The person proposing and the nominee shall both be present in that meeting. Only the paying members present shall cast the ballot. This will be an open ballot however upon approval of majority of members a member present may request a secret ballot. A simple majority shall rule. The members at large will be nominated and elected by the members from their geographical area by a simple majority. Nominations and votes can be cast by mail-in ballot. The mail-ballots must be postmarked 30 days before the election deadline and must be received 7 days before the election deadline. The candidate or their representative must be present for the validation of the election results. If neither is present, the candidate forfeits the right to challenge the election results.
An office of APPA shall be declared vacant by the President when an officer resigns, leaves the Arizona State for a period of longer than three months without prior arrangements or becomes unable to carry out the duties of the office for reasons of health or otherwise or after a vote of no confidence from the general body.
In the above cited case, the office of the person resigning shall be assumed by another office bearer until next general body meeting when a new candidate for that office will be nominated and elected to carry on the duties until the term is completed. In case that the President and Secretary both resign or leave at the same time, the President will appoint an interim Secretary who will also carry on the duties of the office of President until the next general body meeting when office for both posts will be nominated and elected for that term.
Referendum at APPA Meeting – At any general meeting of APPA, the general body shall, by two-third majority vote of the full members present, order a general referendum upon any question pertinent to the purpose and objective of APPA, including a vote of no confidence. There will be no proxy voting allowed.
The general meeting of APPA can be called for, earlier than the scheduled time to deal with unexpected situations or for a specific purpose, as needs arise.
When prompt speech or action is imperative, authority to speak or act in the name of APPA is vested in the President. If unavailable, Secretary or Treasurer shall do the same.
These bylaws may be amended by proposal from any member in general body meeting to the executive board, which will analyze and recommend an amendment for presentation at the next meeting. Voting will take place upon this after discussion. It so voted by two third majority; the amendments to these bylaws shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
Access the complete, legally attested PDF version of the APPNA Arizona Chapter Constitution, updated for the 2024–2026 term.
