Asylum Network

About the Network

Other Ways to Participate in the Network

In addition to evaluations, there are other ways for health professionals to get involved with the Asylum Network.

Become a Trainer

Every year, Physicians for Human Rights conducts training seminars around the United States for health professionals who are interested in performing forensic evaluations of asylum seekers. Our instructors are current volunteers in the Asylum Network who develop and present educational workshops in their areas of expertise. For each training, PHR generally utilizes one person with experience documenting the physical and gynecological sequelae of torture and one mental health professional who can address the psychological manifestations of trauma related to torture. If you are interested in becoming a trainer, please contact the Asylum Network Coordinator.

Organize a Grand Rounds Lecture

A grand rounds lecture is a great way to introduce health and human rights to the general population of health professionals at your hospital, university, or clinic. You can choose to do a broad presentation on the Asylum Network and your experience evaluating asylum seekers or you can use the time to do a focused mini-training on how to document the physical or psychological sequelae of torture. Perhaps, you might want to lecture on one of the many other topics related to refugee health such as cultural sensitivity during exams, interpretation issues, or psychological trauma among unaccompanied minors. There are many ways to utilize this opportunity and the Asylum Network Coordinator would be happy to assist you.

Speak Out

On occasion, the Asylum Network mobilizes its constituency through interviews with the media, lobby meetings, and other measures to advocate on behalf of asylum seekers. If you are interested in being a public voice for asylum seekers, please contact the Asylum Network Coordinator.

Establish a Discussion Group

Discussion groups provide a great opportunity for Asylum Network members in a particular region to meet their volunteer colleagues. The meetings can be organized around a presentation on a specific topic or case followed by a discussion, or they can simply be a venue for sharing experiences. If you would like to host a discussion group in your area, please contact the Asylum Network Coordinator.

Recruit Your Colleagues

The Asylum Network is always looking to broaden its reach by recruiting health professionals, and we've found that current volunteers are the best spokespeople! Recruitment can include organizing an informational meeting, training and mentoring residents, or publicizing the Network in your professional associations, religious organizations, and colleague list serves. If you have other ideas or need recruitment materials, please contact the Asylum Network Coordinator.