The Chapter Advisory Committee (CAC) has the responsibility of recruiting, overseeing, and assisting new state chapters of the American Physiology Society. This oversight includes reviewing and approving of the bylaws and application for non‐profit status of the prospective new chapters. Its chair has taken an active role in calling upon physiologists throughout the US to follow suit in creating new state chapters.
Chapter Status/Activity
Over the last year, three state chapters (Arizona, Tennessee and Puerto Rico) of the American Physiological Society have emerged and were added to the existing chapters (Ohio, Oklahoma, Gulf Coast, Nebraska, and Iowa) bringing the CAC membership to eight. Four chapters have current and approved bylaws (Ohio, Nebraska, Arizona, and Iowa), three chapters have bylaws in revision/review (Gulf Coast, Oklahoma, and Tennessee), and one chapter (Puerto Rico) has submitted bylaws for review. Seven chapters held meetings with over 393 in attendance and 153 abstracts/posters presented.
Non‐profit Status
Four chapters have achieved conditional 501(c)(3) non-profit status (Ohio, Nebraska, Gulf Coast, and Iowa). Two chapters participated in PhunWeek activities (Ohio and Nebraska) and one chapter had a golf outing (Ohio). In the future it is our goal that all chapters will engage in such activities to encourage cohesion in the societies.
Awards
There were thirteen scholarly awards (four undergraduate, six graduate, and three postdoctoral) presented to worthy student members by three chapters—Ohio, Nebraska, and the Gulf Coast.
Current CAC Issues
Several chapters will be reviewing and updating their bylaws in the near future. The Chapter Handbook will be reviewed and edited as necessary prior to finalization before next year’s CAC meeting. All chapters are being encouraged to participate in APS functions such as PhUn Week.
Conclusion
Much has been accomplished with the creation of three new chapters this year. Physiology has made its presence known to many people across the country due to the tireless commitment of the CAC members.