Privacy Policy

Updated: November 10, 2026

Governing Jurisdiction: State of Virginia

The Surgical Infection Society (“SIS”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our members, event attendees, grant/award applicants, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, apply for or renew membership, register for events, or interact with our services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, as well as data gathered automatically through your use of our website:

  • Personal Contact Information: Full name, email address, telephone number, mailing and billing addresses, current employer or academic institution, and professional title.
  • Professional Profile & Demographics: Medical specialty, clinical or scientific areas of expertise, and related professional credentials.
  • Transaction & Billing Data: Payment details processed securely for membership dues, meeting registrations, or donations.
  • Applications & Submissions: Information submitted as part of meeting registrations, grant applications, fellowship submissions, or award nominations.
  • Automatic Usage Data & Cookies: Information collected automatically when you navigate our site, such as IP addresses, browser types, operating systems, referring URLs, and website activity tracking via cookies and analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected data to support the Society’s mission, deliver member benefits, and manage administrative operations, including:

  • Membership Administration: Processing applications, renewals, dues, and account management.
  • Event & Program Operations: Organizing annual meetings, webinars, and educational sessions, including issuing event credentials.
  • Grants & Awards: Evaluating and administering award submissions, travel scholarships, and fellowship programs.
  • Communications & Personalization: Sending Society newsletters, administrative alerts, policy updates, and tailored content based on your professional interests and expertise.
  • Website Improvement: Analyzing site traffic and user interaction to enhance site performance and overall user experience.

3. Data Sharing & Third-Party Vendors

We treat your personal data with care and share it only under specific operational circumstances:

  • Service Providers & Software Platforms: We share relevant information with vetted third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf to deliver your member benefits responsibly. These include:
  • Association Management Software (AMS): GrowthZone (membership database and account administration)
  • Event & Mobile App Platforms: Whova and conference registration vendors
  • Publishing Partners: Official society journals, including Surgical Infections
  • Payment & Communication Processors: Secure merchant processing gateways and broadcast email services
  • Approved Industry Sponsors: We occasionally share membership data with vetted, approved organizational sponsors so they may provide our members with relevant educational materials, clinical updates, and valuable industry opportunities.
  • Surgical Infection Society Foundation for Education and Research (SISF):
    Pursuant to our formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SIS collaborates closely with the Surgical Infection Society Foundation for Education and Research (“SIS Foundation” or “SISF”) to advance research, educational initiatives, fellowships, awards, and joint fundraising. In accordance with the terms of the MOU:
  • Access to Member Lists & Contact Information: Under Section II.A.6 of the MOU, SIS provides the SIS Foundation with access to membership lists and contact information, subject to member privacy policies and applicable laws.
  • Confidentiality Obligations: Under Section VI of the MOU, all shared member lists and contact data constitute Confidential Information. The SIS Foundation is contractually bound to maintain strict confidentiality, handle data in full compliance with applicable privacy laws, and refrain from disclosing or utilizing member lists outside the scope of authorized collaborative initiatives. This confidentiality obligation survives any termination of the MOU.
  • Current Members (Opt-Out Model): Active member contact lists are shared with the SIS Foundation to facilitate outreach regarding research grants, Junior Faculty Fellowships, travel scholarships, Annual Meeting events, and fundraising campaigns. All SISF communications include an immediate, clear opt-out mechanism.
  • New Members (Opt-In Model Effective November 2026): For new members joining on or after November 2026, contact details will be shared with the SIS Foundation only if the applicant provides opt-in consent during the membership application process.
  • Purpose Restriction: Shared contact information is used strictly to further Society and Foundation charitable, educational, and research objectives and is never sold or rented to external commercial third parties.

4. Roster & Online Member Directory

SIS provides a member-only online directory through the GrowthZone portal, allowing active members to search for and connect with colleagues. Access and privacy settings for the directory are governed as follows:

  • Access to the directory is strictly restricted to verified, active members who are logged into their portal accounts.
  • Members maintain full control over their personal information and may opt out of being listed or choose to hide specific contact fields through their portal preferences.

5. Communication Preferences & Opt-Out Controls

You have control over how we communicate with you:

  • Email Marketing & Newsletters: Every promotional or marketing email sent by SIS or SISF includes an immediate “Unsubscribe” or “Opt-Out” link in the footer.
  • Sponsor Communications: You may request to be excluded from list shares provided to approved industry sponsors by updating your preferences in the member portal or contacting us directly.
  • Foundation Communications: Members can manage or revoke data-sharing permissions for SIS Foundation communications at any time by utilizing the opt-out links within SISF emails or by submitting a written request to SIS.
  • Portal Preferences: Active members can log into their GrowthZone member portal profile to manage contact settings and communication preferences.

6. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy and any disputes arising from data handling or site usage shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

7. Contact Us & Data Requests

If you have questions, comments, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to review, update, or correct your personal data, please contact us at:

Surgical Infection Society (SIS)

Email: admin@sisna.org

Address: 673 Potomac Station Drive, Suite 801, Leesburg, VA 20176