Asylum Network

About the Network

	Introduction		How Does it Work?
	Volunteering to Conduct Evaluations		What Qualifications Do I Need?
	Other Ways to Participate in the Network		The Asylum Process

Volunteering to Conduct Evaluations

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Most physicians and psychologists qualify to provide expert testimony. It is not necessary that the health professional have prior experience assisting torture victims, as courts generally assess a health professional's qualifications based on his or her knowledge, skill, experience, training, and education relevant to the medical testimony. Qualifications for examining the asylum applicant can include experience in diagnosing and treating patients with scars and wounds caused by gunshots, physical abuse, or workplace injuries. The Network also has need for physicians with gynecological training and experience with women's health and sexual violence. A health professional is qualified to present evidence of psychological trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if he or she has had general training in emotional and psychiatric disorders, or experience in diagnosing and treating PTSD in patients who have been victims of trauma other than torture. All Network volunteers MUST be licensed in the United States. Physicians for Human Rights offers periodic training seminars with experienced health professionals detailing physical and psychological sequalae to torture and the legal issues affecting health professionals' testimony. The trainings are recommended but not mandatory. What is the time commitment for a health professional who is interested in helping? The program is flexible and can involve a commitment of as little as one case per year. Any involvement on your part is both beneficial and much appreciated by asylum applicants.