The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Human Rights Clinic is a medical student run clinic dedicated to providing medical evaluations for asylum seekers. The Clinic was established in 2019 and is a joint effort by the Immigration Law Clinic and the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. We provide forensic evaluations in cases involving violations of fundamental human rights. By documenting the physical and psychological sequelae of human rights abuses and submitting a medical-legal affidavit to court, physicians and students can make a difference in whether these individuals are granted asylum or other relief under the law. The clinic also trains healthcare providers to perform forensic evaluations in cases involving violations of human rights  and educates medical students about the legal processes  and the role of healthcare providers in securing justice. Shadowing evaluations not only exposes students to the unique points of view of human rights atrocity survivors, but also allows them to observe and practice trauma-informed interviewing and cross-cultural communication.

Goals of the clinic:

• Integrate the Human Rights Clinic into our community such that local organizations refer their patients to us for legal representation and care. 

• Encourage and engage fellow medical students in advocacy projects surrounding immigrant, refugee, and asylee health as they will undoubtedly be met with patients who need proper trauma-informed care.