Becoming a Member

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the IRB!

According to federal regulation, the IRB must be composed of at least five members with a diversity of experiences, cultural backgrounds and expertise to ensure adequate review of human subjects research. The IRB must include at least one member who is not otherwise directly affiliated with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the hospital. The IRB must also include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and one member whose primary concerns are non-scientific. Every effort should be made to ensure that IRB members are not homogenous in terms of gender, race or profession (45.CFR.46.107).

Members of departments with intense involvement in human subject research such as Biology, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Holistic Health and Social Work are particularly encouraged to serve as members. However, membership is not limited to these departments.

Members of the IRB serve two-year terms coinciding with the fiscal year employed by PPMH. Members may serve for unlimited successive terms. Members appointed to fill vacancies on the IRB due to death, removal or resignation of a member shall hold office for the unexpired portion of that member’s term.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an IRB member, please contact Janine Sarti, IRB Administrator for additional information.


Phoebe does not currently conduct or support studies involving prisoners, pregnant women, human fetuses or neonates.