1. Who is eligible for Regular Membership?
Regular Membership is open to individuals engaged in the clinical care of patients affected by frontotemporal dementias, or individuals engaged in research focused on or related to frontotemporal dementias. This may include clinicians, researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals and other professionals working in relevant fields.
2. Who is eligible for Student Membership?
Student Membership is open to individuals currently enrolled in a relevant degree-seeking program at an accredited institution of higher education.
Eligible levels include:
- Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree programs.
- Postgraduate or master’s degree programs.
- Doctoral degree programs, including PhD, MD-PhD, PsyD, DClinPsych or equivalent research or clinical doctorates.
- Medical degree programs, including MD, MBBS, DO or equivalent.
- Formal degree programs in clinical, allied health, health sciences, public health, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, psychology, genetics, social care, research or related fields connected to frontotemporal dementias, dementia, neuroscience, clinical care, public health or associated areas.
3. Are there any limitations on Student Membership?
Yes. Student Membership does not normally apply to individuals who are only enrolled in short courses, continuing education, certificate programs, professional workshops, observerships, internships, residencies, clinical fellowships, postdoctoral appointments, or other non-degree training programs, unless they are also currently enrolled in an eligible degree program or the ISFTD Board approves a broader interpretation. Student Membership is also not intended for high-school students, informal learners, or individuals whose program is not offered by an accredited institution of higher education.
4. Can postdoctoral fellows apply for Student Membership?
Postdoctoral fellows are not usually considered students unless they are also enrolled in an eligible degree program. Postdoctoral fellows may be more appropriate for Regular Membership if they conduct research in a field related to frontotemporal dementias. Where eligibility is unclear, ISFTD may review the application and determine the most appropriate membership category.
5. Who is eligible for Affiliate Membership?
Affiliate Membership is open to individuals who support the work and mission of ISFTD but do not qualify for Regular or Student Membership. This may include relatives, carers, advocates, supporters, or other individuals with an interest in frontotemporal dementias.
6. Do Student Members and Affiliate Members have voting rights?
No. Student Members and Affiliate Members are non-voting members. Voting rights are reserved for Regular Members in accordance with the ISFTD bylaws.
7. How long is ISFTD membership valid?
ISFTD membership is valid for a fixed calendar term of one year.
8. I am not sure which membership category applies to me. What should I do?
If you are unsure which category applies, please choose the category that best reflects your current role and professional status. ISFTD may review applications and confirm the appropriate membership category where needed.
9. Can ISFTD decline or reclassify a membership application?
Yes. Membership is subject to approval by ISFTD, or through a process approved by ISFTD. Where an applicant does not meet the criteria for the selected category, ISFTD may request clarification or determine a more appropriate membership category.
10. Do I need to provide verification of my student status?
Yes. To qualify for Student membership, you must provide proof of your current status. Acceptable forms of verification include:
- A valid student or resident ID showing a current date.
- An enrollment letter.
- A current school transcript.
- A letter or email from your institution’s registrar or program administrator, issued on the institution’s letterhead.
Please send your verification documents to office@isftd.org immediately after submitting your membership application.
If verification documents are not received, the review and approval of your application may be delayed. All documents must clearly show your full name and the dates of your current enrollment or training.