Numerous factors must be taken into account to best provide for the health and well-being of refugee patients in developed countries. One issue that is rarely considered is the awful and not uncommon occurrence of political torture. Large numbers of refugees and other displaced persons are survivors of political torture, and health care professionals must be prepared for this possibility when treating refugee patients. The effects of torture are pervasive, and we provide some practical considerations for health professionals who care for survivors of torture. Specific challenges include problems relating to exile and resettlement, somatic symptoms and pain, and the 'medicalization' of torture sequelae.

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doctor patient relation refugee survival health care personnel human wellbeing Refugees Ethnic Groups Professional-Patient Relations pain priority journal Mental Disorders United States Cross-Cultural Comparison male female Child, Preschool Review health care politics Patient Acceptance of Health Care psychosomatic disorder Torture