Asylum Medicine | PHR–CDU Chapter
This page outlines opportunities for student involvement and volunteer engagement with the CDU Asylum Medicine Outreach
Who We Are
The PHR CDU Chapter Asylum Clinic is a student-led, clinician-supervised initiative affiliated with Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).Our clinic supports asylum seekers by facilitating pro bono forensic medical and psychological evaluations conducted in partnership with PHR and PHR-approved legal organizations. These evaluations document evidence of torture or persecution and are used as medico-legal evidence in asylum proceedings.
Medical students participate in this work under supervision while receiving training in asylum medicine, trauma-informed care, and human rights documentation.
What is an Asylum Clinic?
An asylum clinic supports individuals seeking asylum in the United States by coordinating forensic evaluations that assess physical and psychological findings related to reported experiences of persecution, torture, or violence.
These evaluations follow internationally recognized standards and result in a written medical affidavit that may be submitted in immigration court. Asylum clinics operate at the intersection of medicine, law, and human rights, helping ensure that survivors’ experiences are ethically and accurately documented.
Physicians for Human Rights is a global organization that mobilizes health professionals to document human rights abuses and support survivors through rigorous medical and scientific investigation.
Through our partnership with PHR:
-
Cases are referred through PHR or PHR-affiliated legal partners
-
Clinicians complete Asylum Medicine Training Iniative (AMTI) prior to conducting evaluations
-
For more information visit: https://asylummedtraining.org/
-
-
Evaluations follow PHR standards and protocols
Student involvement occurs under clinician supervision and within defined roles
How the Asylum Clinic Process Works
*Medical students do not independently conduct evaluations or provide legal advice.
Medical students can support the asylum clinic through:
-
Case coordination and scheduling
-
Medical scribing under clinician supervision
-
Research, education, and advocacy projects related to asylum medicine
No prior asylum or legal experience is required. PHR-aligned training is required before participation.
Student Interest Form: