Overview & scope
This Membership Policy applies to all categories of membership within the National Society of Medicine, including Members, Fellows, Distinguished Fellows, Academicians, Honorary Fellows, institutional members and early-career categories. It should be read alongside the NSM Code of Conduct and related governance policies.
- The policy defines how individuals and institutions may be admitted, retained and recognised.
- All members are expected to uphold NSM’s mission, values and Code of Conduct at all times.
- Membership is a privilege, not a right, and may be withdrawn in accordance with due process.
- Categories and criteria may be periodically reviewed by NSM’s Council or equivalent body.
Membership categories & titles
NSM recognises several membership categories reflecting different levels of contribution, responsibility and distinction. The use of formal titles and post-nominal letters is strictly regulated by this policy.
NSM may establish additional categories such as trainee members, early-career members or student members, with tailored eligibility and dues. These categories support the development of the next generation of clinicians and scientists while maintaining appropriate governance safeguards.
- Trainee / Early-career Member – for individuals in recognised training programmes or within a defined number of years after qualification.
- Student Member – for individuals enrolled in accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes in relevant disciplines.
- Rights, voting status and dues may differ from those of full Members and Fellows.
Eligibility & good standing
Eligibility criteria ensure that NSM membership reflects high professional and ethical standards. Good standing is an ongoing requirement for all categories of membership.
- Relevant professional qualification or academic achievement in medicine or allied fields.
- Evidence of active practice, scholarship, leadership or service within the health sector.
- Agreement to comply with NSM’s Code of Conduct and policies.
- Absence of disqualifying regulatory or disciplinary actions, subject to evaluation.
- Timely payment of any applicable membership dues or fees.
- Maintenance of appropriate licensure or registration where required by law.
- Ongoing adherence to ethical, professional and academic standards.
- Co-operation with NSM inquiries into professional conduct where necessary.
Rights & responsibilities
Membership of NSM confers specific rights and responsibilities, which may differ between categories, but are grounded in a shared commitment to the Society’s mission.
- To identify as a member of NSM in accordance with this policy.
- To access member-only resources, events or communications as applicable.
- To participate in NSM committees, working groups or governance where eligible.
- To vote in elections or resolutions as defined in NSM’s constitutional documents.
- To uphold NSM’s mission, values and Code of Conduct at all times.
- To engage respectfully and constructively with colleagues and the public.
- To declare conflicts of interest in line with NSM policy.
- To notify NSM promptly of material changes in professional status or contact details.
Fellows, Distinguished Fellows and Academicians are seen as ambassadors of the Society. NSM may impose additional expectations on these categories, such as:
- Willingness to serve on NSM committees, panels or review groups.
- Support for mentoring early-career members and trainees.
- Leadership in promoting ethical practice, scientific integrity and patient-centred care.
- Active contribution to NSM meetings, programmes or publications where feasible.
Application & review process
NSM uses a structured application and review process to ensure fairness, transparency and consistency across membership categories.
- Submission – applications are submitted via NSM’s official online forms, accompanied by supporting documents where required.
- Initial screening – Secretariat staff confirm completeness and basic eligibility, requesting clarification if needed.
- Academic / professional review – relevant committees review applications against published criteria.
- Decision & notification – applicants are informed of the outcome and, where successful, provided with next steps.
- Record creation – NSM membership records are updated, and verification tools are enabled where applicable.
Membership fees & renewal
As an independent nonprofit organisation, NSM may levy membership dues or fees to support its academic and professional activities. Fee levels and structures are approved by NSM’s governance bodies and may vary by category or region.
- Standard dues may apply to Members, Fellows and certain institutional categories.
- Reduced rates or waivers may be available for trainees, students or low-resource settings.
- Honorary categories may not carry routine dues, subject to NSM policy.
- All fees are reviewed periodically and communicated through official channels.
- Membership is generally renewed on an annual basis, or as otherwise defined by NSM.
- Members are responsible for ensuring timely payment and updating contact details.
- NSM may require confirmation of continued eligibility or good standing at renewal.
- Non-payment or non-response may result in suspension or lapse of membership.
Category changes & progression
Members may, over time, progress between categories or update their membership to reflect evolving roles, responsibilities and achievements.
- Progression to Fellow usually requires a formal application or nomination.
- Evidence of sustained contribution in one or more core domains is required.
- Peer references or institutional letters may be requested by NSM.
- Distinguished Fellow and Academician status are conferred via special processes.
- Quotas, criteria and procedures are determined by NSM’s Council or equivalent body.
- These honours may be reviewed periodically in line with governance requirements.
NSM recognises that members may experience periods of leave, career transition or temporary inactivity (for example, parental leave, illness or relocation). The Society may:
- Offer reduced fees or temporary waivers during defined periods.
- Allow a defined grace period before membership is considered lapsed.
- Provide streamlined routes for reactivation, subject to updated eligibility checks.
Suspension, termination & appeals
NSM reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership where serious concerns arise regarding eligibility, conduct or compliance with this policy.
- Grounds – including but not limited to confirmed loss of professional licence (where relevant), serious breaches of the Code of Conduct, non-payment of dues, misuse of NSM titles, or behaviour incompatible with NSM’s mission.
- Investigation – concerns are reviewed through an appropriate procedure, respecting fairness, proportionality and confidentiality.
- Interim measures – NSM may impose temporary suspension or restrictions while matters are investigated.
- Decision – decisions are taken by designated governance bodies in line with NSM’s constitution.
- Appeals – where permitted, members may appeal within specified timeframes using defined procedures.
Data, privacy & membership records
NSM maintains membership records in line with applicable data protection and privacy laws. The Society collects and processes only the information necessary for legitimate organisational purposes.
- Personal data are used to administer membership, events, communications and governance processes.
- Members may have access rights to their personal data as defined in NSM’s Privacy Policy.
- NSM may maintain internal notes relevant to eligibility, good standing and governance decisions.
- External publication of membership information (for example, directories) is governed by explicit policies.
NSM may provide a secure membership verification service, allowing institutions and the public to confirm membership, Fellowship or higher honours where appropriate.
- Data displayed may include name, category, status and relevant dates.
- Additional details are typically not shared without explicit consent or legal basis.
- Members may opt out of certain public listings where policy permits.
Use of NSM name, logo & titles
The NSM name, logo and membership titles are protected assets. Members must follow this policy and any related brand guidelines when referencing NSM in professional contexts.
- Members and Fellows may reference their membership status and post-nominals in professional biographies, CVs and profiles, provided they are in good standing.
- Suggested formats include: “Member of the National Society of Medicine (MNSM)” or “Fellow of the National Society of Medicine (FNSM)”.
- Use of higher honours (for example, “Academician of the National Society of Medicine (ANSM)”) is restricted to those formally admitted to these categories.
- NSM’s logo may only be used in accordance with explicit brand and licensing guidelines.