(a) The State Medical Education Board is created which shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor who shall be qualified electors of the State of Georgia. The State Medical Education Board created by this Code section shall be the successor to and a continuation of the heretofore existing State Medical Education Board. The members of the State Medical Education Board in office on July 1, 1983, shall serve out the remainder of their respective terms. The Governor shall appoint two additional members to take office on July 1, 1983, for terms expiring on April 1, 1987. Thereafter, as the term of office of each member expires, the Governor shall appoint their successors for a term of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term.

(b) The State Medical Education Board shall elect annually a chairman and also a vice-chairman to serve in the absence or inability of the chairman. The State Medical Education Board shall maintain an office in Atlanta, Georgia, and shall meet at said office or elsewhere at least once each year at such time as may be fixed by the State Medical Education Board. Special meetings shall be held upon call of the chairman. Four members of the State Medical Education Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the State Medical Education Board shall keep full, complete, and permanent minutes and records of all its proceedings and actions.

(c) For attending meetings of the State Medical Education Board and for traveling in carrying out their official duties, the members of the State Medical Education Board shall receive the compensation and allowances specified by Code Section 45-7-21.