October 22, 2011 was a monumental day in MSD’s history. The House of Delegates voted to adopt a proposal that changed the governance structure of the Society that had been in place for over 200 years. While the former governance structure, with a House of Delegates, Board of Trustees, and Executive Committee, served the organization well over these many years, it was time to modernize and streamline to more effectively and efficiently represent the needs and wishes of the membership and to better utilize technology. Another radical step was the agreement of the House to eliminate the corporate structure of the county medical societies, as it was apparent these organizations were not proving to be relevant to the needs of its members. With these changes, MSD has committed to demonstrate its relevance by meeting the individual needs of today’s physician leading to improved physician/member engagement in the organization.
Executive Board
The Executive Board consists of 18 members meeting routinely throughout the year (approximately ten times per year). The Board composition includes: Officers (7); AMA Representative (1); Section Representatives (3); At-Large Representatives (4); a Government Affairs Committee Representative (1); a Third Party Payer Committee Representative (1); and an MSD Holding Company Representative (1). The Executive Board oversees the Executive Director and MSD operations. MSD committees (except the Budget and Finance Committee and the Bylaws Committee) report directly to the Executive Board.
Council
The Council is comprised of the current 67 seats to include: Members of the Executive Board (18); Specialty Society Representatives (24); Delaware State Medical Osteopathic Society (1); Geographic Affinity Groups (8); Hospital Medical Staff Representatives (15); and Practice Type (1). The much smaller size of the Council, as compared to the former House of Delegates composition of 350-400 members, enables the Council to meet more readily if needed and to address issues electronically if appropriate. Changes to the MSD Bylaws, approval of the ensuing year’s budget, election of officers and At-Large Representatives to the Executive Board are the routine assigned responsibilities of the Council. Other issues of concern are encouraged to be brought before the Council when appropriate. The Council will convene two times each year - an Interim Meeting in the spring planned to be conducted electronically, and an Annual Meeting in the fall to be held at the MSD Building and Conference Center in Newark.