Usage and Privacy Terms

The CVSMED Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information that users may provide through this Web site. We want to assure users that any personal information that users provide through CVSMED will be treated carefully and appropriately, as explained here.

User Consent

By using this site, users agree with the terms of the CVSMED Privacy Policy as stated here. Whenever information is submitted via this site, users consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information in accordance with the CVSMED Privacy Policy.

How We Collect Information

Active Collection of Information. CVSMED actively collects information from its users both by asking specific questions and by permitting users to communicate directly with and through CVSMED via e-mail, feedback forms, surveys, and discussion forums. Some of the information that users submit may be personally identifiable information (that is, information that can be uniquely identified with users, such as full name, address, e-mail address, phone number, and so on). Some areas of this site may require users to submit information in order to benefit from the specified features (such as newsletter subscriptions, personal home page, and order processing) or to participate in a particular activity. Users will be informed at each information collection point what information is required and what information is optional.

As users navigate through the CVSMED Web site, certain information can be passively collected (that is, gathered without users actively providing the information) using various technologies and means, such as cookies, Internet Protocol addresses, and navigational data collection.

CVSMED collects information using ‘session’ cookies and ‘persistent’ cookies. Cookies do not collect personally identifiable information. Cookies enable CVSMED to uniquely identify a user for such functions as member update, jobs and resume submission, journal access and discussion forums access.

Session cookies are small text files that a Web site sends to a user’s Web browser that helps the site remember information about the user and about a user’s preferences. The cookie terminates once a user closes the browser or after a 24-hour interval. Session cookies are used to store sensitive information such as a users CVSMED password.

Persistent cookies are more permanent bits of information that are placed on the hard drive of a user’s computer and remain there until a user deletes the cookie. Persistent cookies store information on a user’s computer for purposes such as retrieving certain information users have previously provided (for example, your CVSMED user ID).

An IP Address is a number assigned to a user’s computer by a user’s Internet service provider so that users can access the Internet. CVSMED uses IP addresses to report aggregate information, to determine the fastest route for a user’s computer to connect to the CVSMED Web site, and to administer and improve the CVSMED Web site. IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.

Navigational data , including javascript and small gif images are used to improve the accuracy of CVSMED visitor statistics. This information does not contain personally identifiable information and is only used in aggregate.

Use and Disclosure of Information

Except as otherwise stated, CVSMED may use collected information to improve the content of CVSMED, to customize the site to reflect a user’s preferences, to communicate information to users (if users have requested it), for marketing and research purposes, and for the purposes specified in the CVSMED Privacy Policy.

If users provide personally identifiable information to CVSMED, CVSMED may combine that information with other actively collected information unless CVSMED specifies otherwise at the point of collection. CVSMED will take reasonable measures to prevent personally identifiable information from being combined with passively collected information, unless users consent otherwise.

We may disclose personally identifiable information to other CVSMED affiliates worldwide that agree to treat the information in accordance with the CVSMED Privacy Policy. In addition, we may disclose a user’s personally identifiable information to third parties, such as contractors we use to support our business (for example, fulfillment services, technical support, industry sponsors, delivery services, and financial institutions). CVSMED will require such third parties to agree to treat a user’s information in accordance with the CVSMED Privacy Policy. Under limited circumstances, CVSMED may release personally identifiable information where required by applicable laws, court orders, or government regulations.

Updating Personally Identifiable Information

Users are encouraged to keep personally identifiable information accurate, current, and complete by accessing the CVSMED Member Update page (http://cvsmed.org/en/users/). CVSMED will take reasonable steps to update or correct personally identifiable information in the possession of CVSMED that users have previously submitted via the CVSMED Web site.

Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personally identifiable information as a user transmits information from his or her computer to the CVSMED Web site and to protect such information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no internet transmission is ever 100% secure or error-free. In particular, e-mail sent to or from the CVSMED Web site may not be secure, and users should therefore take special care in deciding what information users send to CVSMED via e-mail. Moreover, where users use passwords, ID numbers, or other special access features on the CVSMED Web site, it is a user’s responsibility to safeguard them.

Links to Other Web Sites

CVSMED provides links to other Web sites. Please be aware that CVSMED is not responsible for the privacy practices of other Web sites and that the CVSMED Privacy Policy does not apply to other Web sites.

Changes to the CVSMED Privacy Policy

If the CVSMED Privacy Policy changes, the revised policy will be posted on this site. Please check back periodically, and especially before providing any personally identifiable information. This Privacy Policy was last updated on March, 2013.

Contacting CVSMED

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments regarding the CVSMED Privacy Policy at info@cvsmed.org.