Governance
Policies & Procedures
Our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and ethical practice — the standards that govern membership, conduct, and the handling of your information.
Last updated · December 6, 2025
Privacy Policy
Information Collection
CIMA collects personal information necessary for membership management, event registration, and communication. This includes name, email address, medical credentials, specialty, and professional contact information.
Data Usage
Your information is used solely for CIMA-related activities including member directory services, event notifications, CME opportunities, and organizational communications. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties without explicit consent.
Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest, with access limited to authorized CIMA administrators.
Your Rights
You have the right to access, update, or delete your personal information at any time. Contact us at privacy@cimaconnect.ca to exercise these rights.
Membership Policy
Eligibility
Membership is open to all medical professionals of Iranian heritage practising in Canada, including physicians, surgeons, residents, and medical students. Associate membership is available for allied health professionals.
Verification Requirements
Full membership requires verification of medical credentials. Members must provide their CPSO number or equivalent provincial medical license for verification purposes.
Membership Tiers
- Free (Unverified): Basic access to events and CME information
- Free (Verified): Full access to directory, job board, and book club
- Annual Member: Full access including photo gallery and exclusive events
Code of Conduct
Members are expected to maintain professional standards, respect fellow members, and uphold the values of CIMA. Violations may result in membership suspension or termination.
Terms of Service
Acceptable Use
CIMA is provided for professional networking, continuing education, and community building. Users must not engage in harassment, spam, unauthorized commercial activities, or any behaviour that violates professional standards.
Content Guidelines
All content posted must be professional, respectful, and relevant to the medical community. CIMA reserves the right to remove content that violates these guidelines.
Intellectual Property
Content posted by members remains their intellectual property. By posting, members grant CIMA a license to display and distribute content within the platform.
Limitation of Liability
CIMA is provided “as is” without warranties. CIMA is not liable for any damages arising from the use of the platform or reliance on information provided by other members.
CME & Event Policy
CME Credits
CIMA strives to provide accredited CME opportunities. Credit eligibility and requirements are specified for each event. Attendance verification is required for credit certification.
Event Registration
Registration is required for most events. Cancellation policies vary by event and are specified during registration. Refund requests must be made according to the stated cancellation deadlines.
Event Conduct
Attendees are expected to maintain professional behaviour at all CIMA events. Photography and recording policies are specified for each event.
Disruptive Behaviour Policy
Disruptive behaviour poses a threat to other members and outcomes by inhibiting the collegiality and collaboration essential to teamwork, impeding communication, undermining morale, and inhibiting compliance.
Members must not engage in disruptive behaviours, because they undermine professionalism and a culture of safety. Disruptive behaviours may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Rude, profane, disrespectful, insulting, demeaning, threatening, bullying, or abusive language, tone, innuendos, and behaviour — in all CIMA meetings, events or social media platforms.
- Arguments or outbursts of anger including throwing or breaking things.
- Use, attempted use, or threat of violence or physical force with colleagues and others involved in the provision of CIMA.
- Comments or actions that may be perceived as harassing or may contribute to a poisoned professional environment.
- Mocking, shaming, disparaging or censuring colleagues and others involved in the provision of CIMA.
- Failure to work collaboratively or cooperatively with others.
While there may be a myriad of reasons for disruptive behaviour — whether personal, professional, or situational — members must nevertheless demonstrate professional behaviour at all times.
Disciplinary Actions
Violations of the CIMA Disruptive Behaviour Policy may be subject to one or more of the following disciplines:
- Removing content from social media after it has been posted, whether publicly or privately (this does not excuse the participant from being subject to the Discipline and Complaints Policy).
- The member may be asked to cease their engagement and membership.
Complaint Policy
When a formal complaint from a member or other parties is received by CIMA, the following procedures will take place:
1 · Documentation
- Write down the facts of the complaint.
- Take the complainant’s name, address and telephone number.
- Note the relationship of the complainant to CIMA.
- Tell the complainant that we have a complaints procedure.
- Tell the complainant what will happen next and how long it will take.
- Where appropriate, ask the complainant to send a written account by post or email so that the complaint is recorded in their own words.
2 · Acknowledgement
A notice of receipt and acknowledgement will be provided to the complainant.
3 · Board Review
The complaint will be disclosed and discussed at the following CIMA Board of Directors meeting and reflected in the minutes of that meeting.
4 · Investigation and Decision
A decision must be made about whether the complaint is well-founded. If so, the organization must take steps to address the violation and prevent future occurrences. If necessary, the Board may consult the CIMA Social Media Committee for insight.
5 · Communication of Decision
Decisions and actions taken by the Board must be communicated to the member or relevant parties in writing. Examples of potential decisions are:
- An apology
- Communication
- Taking steps toward resolving the issue
- Verbal or written reprimand
- Measures to prevent future recurrences as much as possible
Questions about our policies?
If you have any questions or concerns about these policies and procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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