MEMBERSHIP

The Turks and Caicos Islands Medical Association (TCIMA) brings together physicians and medical professionals who are committed to advancing high standards of medical practice, professional integrity, and collaborative leadership within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Membership in TCIMA reflects not only professional qualification, but also a shared dedication to ethical practice, collegial support, and service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In accordance with our Constitution, TCIMA offers five categories of membership to reflect the diverse stages and circumstances of medical professionals connected to the Islands.

Ordinary Membership

Ordinary Membership is open to medical practitioners who are ordinarily resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands and who are registered and licensed under the Turks and Caicos Islands Health Professions Ordinance 2016 (or any statutory modification thereof).

Ordinary Members form the core of the Association and enjoy full membership privileges, including the right to vote and to serve on the Executive.

Retired Membership

Retired Membership is available to physicians who have retired from active practice and who have been members of the Association for at least ten (10) consecutive years immediately prior to retirement (or from the formation of TCIMA if less than ten years).

Retired Members:

Pay no annual subscription
Retain all privileges of membership
May not serve on the Executive

This category honors long-standing contributions to the profession while preserving continued engagement with the Association.

Honorary Membership

Honorary Membership is conferred by decision of the Executive upon individuals who have made distinguished contributions to medicine or to the Association.

Honorary Members:

Are exempt from subscriptions
Enjoy privileges as determined by the Executive
May participate in meetings
May serve on committees
Do not have voting rights
May not serve on the Executive

Honorary Membership recognizes exceptional service and commitment to healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond.

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is open to:

Bona fide medical students ordinarily resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and
Medical practitioners registered under the Health Professions Ordinance but not licensed to practice within the jurisdiction.

Associate Members:

May attend meetings of the Association
Do not have voting rights
May not serve on the Executive (except as permitted under specific constitutional provisions)

Associate Membership fosters early professional engagement and maintains professional connection for physicians not actively practicing within the jurisdiction.

Temporary Membership

Temporary Membership is designed for medical practitioners who are eligible for Ordinary Membership but will reside in the Turks and Caicos Islands for less than one (1) year.

Temporary Members:

Enjoy the privileges and obligations of Ordinary Members during their tenure
Do not have voting rights

This category supports visiting physicians, locum practitioners, and short-term clinical appointments who contribute to healthcare delivery in the Islands.

Subscription and Financial Standing

Annual subscriptions are determined by the Executive and may be modified by a simple majority at an Executive Meeting or Annual General Meeting. Subscription rates are published annually by the Secretary.

Annual dues are payable in advance by January 1 each year (or at the time of approval for new members). Installment arrangements may be approved at the discretion of the Executive.

Members in financial good standing are entitled to all privileges of membership, including access to Association communications and publications.

Exemptions from Subscription

The following members are exempt from annual subscriptions:

Student Associate Members
Retired Members
Honorary Members

Additionally:

Members with 25 years of continuous membership are exempt from future annual subscriptions.
The Executive may grant exemptions in cases of permanent incapacity or other good cause.
Members may apply for temporary suspension of membership if residing outside the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than one year.