Currently our IRB has 23 members.  Like you, our committee has grown over
the years and we too consider it too large.  As a matter of fact, when the
next few rotate off, we're not replacing them.  Our members serve for
three years.  If they are designated as Chairman, they will serve for an
additional year.  Our faculty fill out a "wish list" annually.  This list
notes which committees they're interested in serving on.  SOme of ours are
chosen this way.  So, in general, ours come from all departments.  We do
abide by the suggested committee make-up as expressed in 45 CFR 46.  We
also recommend to the"Committee on Committees" additional member make-up
based on protocols reviewed in the past.  That is, we review alot of cancer
protocols, therefore we have cancer specialists as members.  Like wise for
other categories.  Our IRB is mandated to have 2 psychologists.  I could go
on but you probably get the picture-

Rebecca Bacon
Eastern Virginia Medical School
xxxxxx@picard.evms.edu