How to: Conduct a Forensic Medical Evaluation for Asylum Seekers

Nov 15, 2024

2 min read

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The process of approaching your first medical asylum evaluation (i.e. a forensic medical evaluation, or FME) can be a daunting task. Having navigated the logistics of several asylum clinics myself and conducted research on the methods of asylum evaluation, trust me when I say it gets easier, and the process is relatively uniform across organizations!

Here are some tips that should send you successfully off to the races for your first evaluation.

Tip #1 - Get inspired!

I'm preaching to the choir. BUT the statistics on asylum case success rate with an accompanying FME are staggering! Data from Physicians for Human Rights demonstrates that a FME increases chances of asylum case success by nearly 200%. Your evaluation and provision of an affidavit for the court's review will make a significant impact in the lives of the most vulnerable in our population.

Tip #2 - Get trained

There are many avenues to receive training on conducting medical and psychiatric evaluations for asylum seekers. You can choose from various in-person or online courses, and either mode is often no more than an 8-hour commitment. Get trained to be part of the solution and increase access to FMEs!

"The fact that so few applicants undergo a forensic medical evaluation, which makes a significant contribution to a successful claim, raises the critical issue of how to expand access." – Atkinson et al, 2021

Tip #3 - Find your parent

Partnering with a parent organization that is already knee-deep in this process is essential. Even if you aren't affiliated with an academic institution, there are always ways to find mentors and a wealth of institutional knowledge. Check out Physicians for Human Rights, Asylum Medicine Training Initiative, and the Society of Asylum Medicine for starters.

Tip #4 - Commit thoughtfully

Decide how often you want to engage in evaluations to avoid burnout. Be realistic about it - the process from start to finish is a commitment! Consider volunteering for one evaluation every quarter and stick to it.

Tip #5 - Dive in!

Coordinate a date with the client's attorney and ask any clarifying logistical questions, read over the client's statement carefully, and listening thoughtfully during the evaluation to produce a representative affidavit. Remember, it is not your job to determine whether or not this person qualifies for asylum! Let the courts decide that, and you do what you do best - offer your medical and basic psychiatric assessment with the goal of honoring the client's story.

Go forth and evaluate!

Approaching your first FME can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Check out the Physicians for Human Rights website. Get inspired, get trained, reach out to your parent, commit, and dive in!