International Medical Aid - IMA

International Medical Aid - IMA International Medical Aid provides students and institutions community-based global health education. What if the necessary medicine isn't available?

Founded by Johns Hopkins alumni, International Medical Aid works with pre-health students across multiple disciplines, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, mental health and physical therapy, to provide experiences that will further your preparation for medical school and graduate healthcare programs. IMA partners with leading academic institutions in the United States, Canada, and Europe to fa

cilitate study abroad trips and internship opportunities. Our healthcare internship programs provide pre-health students hands-on experience through intensive clinical shadowing, service learning, didactic experiences, and expert admissions support. Combined, these elements build the foundation that medical and related healthcare programs are looking for in applicants. International Medical Aid works with underserved communities in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. We bring healthcare where it otherwise might not go, improving lives and providing valuable shadowing experiences to pre-health students. We focus our efforts in areas where there is the greatest need. Our programs impact the lives of everyone involved--patients, providers and students. Early exposure to these settings is critical for students who might not otherwise consider providing medicine to rural communities. Plus, opportunities like this are once-in-a-lifetime and will provide content for your medical school essays and a competitive edge for some of the best medical programs in the country. You'll also form lifelong friendships and connections that can prove vital to your long-term success in the medical field. IMA also partners with local communities and professionals to develop grass-roots initiatives that are led by individuals in the community. Through local engagement, IMA helps improve the quality of the healthcare that is provided to specific regions. Our Global Health Lecture Series helps pre-med students understand the differences that run throughout the healthcare system and affect how treatments are delivered to patients. Our Clinical Simulation Sessions teach interns basic healthcare through simulated experiences. Interns practice suturing, drawing blood, managing airways, and injecting medications on mannequins. Normally, this kind of experience doesn't come until much later during a medical student's education. Finally, our Community Outreach Program educates and gives resources to members of the community, allowing individuals to take better control of their health. This includes field medical clinics and hygiene education sessions that cover topics like hand and oral hygiene. Providing medicine to remote areas and underserved communities has allowed IMA, our doctors, and our pre-health students to make an impact in the lives of individuals who need medical treatment or who need to improve their health through simple measures. You'll have first-hand experiences with conditions that most doctors don't get to treat in remote areas. You'll work in settings where instruments need to be sterilized before surgery. Having experience in the developing world will prepare you for a career in medicine like nothing else. Getting into medical school is a difficult and complex process. You're competing with other highly qualified candidates who have the same dreams you do. Displaying your passion for science through working with IMA will prove just how much you love medicine. While EMTs, nurse's aids and ER techs gain valuable experience that will help them in medical school, IMA interns get more. Remote medicine stretches you and allows you to grow in ways you wouldn't otherwise experience. What if a clinic runs out of a life-saving medicine before treatment has been completed? What if the right tests can't be run to confirm a suspected diagnosis? These are issues that medical doctors face on a daily basis. Your unique experiences will put you in a very small group of applicants that stand out to medical schools and other graduate healthcare programs. Our alumni have been accepted to programs at Harvard University, Stanford University, UCSF, and the Mayo Clinic. So, are you looking for a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime experience shadowing doctors in remote areas of the world? Consider going on an internship with International Medical Aid.

“I could go on and on with stories of what I heard, saw, and experienced during my time at CGTRH and with IMA. Through t...
04/24/2026

“I could go on and on with stories of what I heard, saw, and experienced during my time at CGTRH and with IMA. Through these moments, I began to understand the kind of provider I want to be.⁣
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I saw the strain of overworked, understaffed, resource-limited systems. I saw how bias can influence care, and how repeated exposure to death can slowly erode the small gestures that matter most. But I also saw resilience, creativity, and compassion. I learned what it means to problem-solve when a patient can only afford one test or treatment, and what it looks like to truly meet a patient halfway—like performing a total hip replacement under epidural anesthesia because the patient could not afford general anesthesia.⁣
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Above all, I leave this experience with a deeper understanding that medicine is not just practiced through knowledge, but through presence, humility, and humanity. I am, and always will be, profoundly grateful to IMA and CGTRH for allowing me to witness both the joy and the grief that shape this beautiful country and for trusting me with the stories that will continue to shape me as a future provider.”⁣
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- 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝗪𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐬, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

Access to consistent healthcare remains a challenge in the Dalu community, Tana River County, Kenya, where long distance...
04/22/2026

Access to consistent healthcare remains a challenge in the Dalu community, Tana River County, Kenya, where long distances to health facilities and limited access to basic health resources often delay or prevent families from receiving timely care. In many cases, even essential hygiene items are not readily available, leaving everyday health needs unmet.

These gaps highlight the importance of community-based outreach in settings where routine medical services are not always easily accessible. Such initiatives help bring essential healthcare support closer to populations that would otherwise go without timely care.

At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we partnered with Kuluhiro and Vibe Spot to conduct a community outreach at Dalu Secondary School. This outreach was delivered collaboratively, with Kuluhiro supporting community mobilization and Vibe Spot contributing sanitary towels to support menstrual hygiene needs. We spearheaded a mobile medical clinic that provided general consultations, dental services, and essential medications.

Through partnerships like these, we continue to strengthen access to essential health services in underserved areas through coordinated Community Outreach Activities. Are you interested in making an impactful difference? Learn more about our Global Health Initiatives at medicalaid.org!

At International Medical Aid, our pre-clinical internship programs are designed to provide structured exposure to real h...
04/19/2026

At International Medical Aid, our pre-clinical internship programs are designed to provide structured exposure to real hospital environments through observation, guided learning, and clinical mentorship. Across our flagship sites in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—and South America—Cusco, Peru—these experiences take place in leading partner hospitals in each region.

Throughout the program, interns rotate through a range of clinical departments, gaining exposure to diverse specialties and developing a clearer understanding of how multidisciplinary teams collaborate in patient care. With each rotation, they begin to see how individual departments connect within the broader hospital system to support patient outcomes. This progressive exposure helps interns move beyond observation toward meaningful clinical insight, shaping how they understand medicine, healthcare delivery, and their own future roles within it.

Clinical mentorship is at the core of the experience. Working closely with Physician Mentors, interns receive guidance, ask questions, and gain insight into clinical decision-making, patient interaction, and the realities of practicing medicine across diverse healthcare settings.

Grounded in ethical shadowing guidelines, our programs prioritize patient safety while supporting learning, guided reflection, and the development of confidence in clinical environments, equipping them with the perspective needed to grow from learners into skilled and confident future healthcare leaders.

Interested in studying abroad? Visit medicalaid.org to learn more about our award-winning programs.

“My experience as an intern at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya not only strengthened my love for h...
04/16/2026

“My experience as an intern at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya not only strengthened my love for healthcare, but also solidified that it is the field I am meant to spend my life in. Along the way, I learned some of the most valuable lessons, not just for my future career but for life in general, which I will carry with me forever. I witnessed life beginning and ending in just one day, the broken becoming fixed, and the impossible becoming possible, all because of the dedication and innovation of the doctors and interns I worked alongside.⁣
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I came to understand that helping people can be done in many ways, not just by “fixing” physical problems or simply delivering medical knowledge, but by rolling up my sleeves and getting my hands dirty, so to speak, working with patients to come up with creative solutions to both emotional and physical challenges.⁣
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I also learned that expensive, high-tech equipment or every little gadget under the sun is not always necessary to manage complications. Having all the answers all the time is not required either; collaboration and asking for help are part of the process. There is no need to fear getting things wrong or not “winning” every time, as long as mistakes are acknowledged and used for growth.⁣
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Healthcare does not always require a blanket, a jacket, a vest, a tie, a handkerchief, or even a button. Sometimes all that is needed is an idea, and the reminder that something can always be made from nothing.”⁣
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- 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘉𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

"I had always felt like my understanding of psychology existed in two parallel worlds. My education and early training i...
04/14/2026

"I had always felt like my understanding of psychology existed in two parallel worlds. My education and early training in Canada emphasized individual autonomy and emotional boundaries, while my upbringing in India centered around collective decision-making and shared spaces, where family perspectives were not external pressures but a core part of life. I often found myself questioning where these theories truly applied and who they were truly built for.⁣⁣
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This tension is what drew me to explore psychology more deeply. I wanted to understand how these frameworks could adapt to contexts that didn't reflect the individualistic settings in which they were developed. When I joined International Medical Aid in Kenya, I arrived with notes in hand, hoping to find clarity—a way to bridge this gap in my understanding.⁣⁣
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Instead, what stayed with me most was learning to sit with the absence of clear answers. I began to notice how often I was searching for solutions in situations that were deeply complex and, at times, unresolved. This experience taught me that not everyone is in a place where change is immediately possible, and that understanding someone's reality without trying to fix it is, in itself, a meaningful form of care.⁣⁣

I left Kenya without the handbook I thought I needed, but with a deeper appreciation for how psychology and healthcare can remain culturally responsive without losing their core intent. I learned to hold on to what works, while staying open enough to let it evolve. And above all, I came to understand that genuine smiles and a whole lot of love can go a long way in shaping meaningful, happy lives."⁣⁣
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- 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐛𝐢 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐚𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐦, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻

"There is so much I am going to be able to take away from my experience in Mombasa, Kenya. The staff did an absolute sta...
04/09/2026

"There is so much I am going to be able to take away from my experience in Mombasa, Kenya. The staff did an absolute standout job in making us feel welcomed and supported. I always appreciated the Program Mentors for checking in on me and asking how I was doing. In my first two weeks in the Occupational Therapy (OT) Clinic, I felt welcomed the moment the Senior Occupational Therapist brought me in. He was always willing to teach me about his practices, and he taught me how rewarding his job as an OT was to him. The interns made me feel very welcome and taught me various methods and practices. My second two weeks in the Physical Therapy Clinic were also very rewarding. They made me feel so comfortable and treated me as a friend and a colleague. Testing my knowledge and always wanting to teach me more.⁣
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I learned how much the people of Mombasa cherish the community and celebrate one another. I loved seeing how even coworkers treated each other as family. One experience that stood out most to me was visiting Fort Jesus and learning its history. If I had never gone on this trip, I would never have known its history or how it has shaped Kenya's past. ⁣
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This program allowed me to grow so much as a student, person, and future healthcare worker. I learned that it is okay to take things "pole pole" (slowly) and not to feel like everything needs to be rushed. Taking time to talk to your patients, giving yourself a second to feel your own emotions, and taking everything in is all part of the process. Everyone going into any field of medicine is going to have their fair share of challenging moments and trials, but it is so important to breathe, take a moment, and remember how lucky we are to be able to have these experiences."⁣
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- 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐳𝐨𝐠, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟽

"My experience with International Medical Aid in Kenya was truly incredible and exceeded all my expectations. I had the ...
04/06/2026

"My experience with International Medical Aid in Kenya was truly incredible and exceeded all my expectations. I had the pleasure of interacting most closely with the Program Staff, and each of them made a meaningful difference throughout my time in the program. They were incredibly supportive, responsive, and always willing to answer questions or provide guidance, which made me feel well-supported both personally and professionally.

The accommodations were excellent—the house was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the room service and laundry were convenient and very helpful. I always felt safe in the residence, which allowed me to focus fully on my internship and the experiences around me. The food was consistently delicious and provided a wonderful taste of local cuisine. The cultural excursions were unforgettable. Visiting local communities and experiencing the Masai Mara Game Reserve was absolutely breathtaking and one of the highlights of my time in Kenya. These excursions provided a deeper understanding of the country's culture, environment, and people, enriching the overall experience.

The internship itself was extremely impactful. I gained first-hand exposure to clinical settings, observed a wide variety of medical cases, and developed a greater understanding of healthcare delivery in a different context. I truly felt that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am so grateful I participated. This program not only strengthened my interest in medicine but also gave me invaluable personal and professional growth that I will carry forward in my career.

Overall, I could not recommend this program more highly and will always remember my time in Kenya with gratitude and fondness."

- 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐲, 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 2025

Some experiences in medicine shape not only what you learn, but also how you think, feel, and grow as a future healthcar...
04/03/2026

Some experiences in medicine shape not only what you learn, but also how you think, feel, and grow as a future healthcare professional. In this reflection, Annabel Matthews shares how moments of life, loss, and ethical reflection during her IMA experience transformed her understanding of medicine beyond the classroom.

“My experience with IMA allowed me to witness my first birth, my first death, and, most importantly, my first experience of questioning my ethical views in order to understand the decisions others make. Overall, it prepared me to approach medicine with a broader perspective, rather than one shaped within a very privileged and ‘filtered’ country.

I was asked to call the time of birth after assisting a first-time mother through her labor and staying by her side during the birth of her baby girl. That was a privilege and an honor I will never forget, as being with someone during one of the most life-changing and vulnerable moments of their life is something I will always be grateful for.

This shows how the International Medical Aid experience in Africa is different. It allows you to be present during some of the most pivotal moments in a person’s life and to learn lessons that no simulation could ever teach.

IMA helped me see medicine as more than just a degree, an achievement, or the title of ‘Doctor.’ My future in medicine will always be shaped by this experience, as I have gained the confidence to show my passion for learning, ask many questions, and always approach new places with a desire to listen.

Often, the people with the hardest paths to their professions are the ones with the broadest range of perspectives. That is why I now say: medicine as a title is status, but medicine as a practice is dedication. To study, to be healthy, and to improve the lives of others.”

This reflection captures how immersive clinical experiences shape not only skills, but perspective. By engaging with real patients and complex realities, interns begin to understand medicine as a lifelong commitment to learning, empathy, and service—one that extends far beyond titles and into the impact they have on others’ lives.

— 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘛𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘬 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 2027

For aspiring healthcare professionals, exposure to real-world systems often shapes their understanding of patient care j...
04/02/2026

For aspiring healthcare professionals, exposure to real-world systems often shapes their understanding of patient care just as much as clinical skills do. One of the most underrated aspects of our programs is the opportunity to observe how hospital processes and organizational structures influence the patient experience.

During a scheduled Private Tour of Mombasa Hospital, located at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—interns gained firsthand insight into the workflows, patient management systems, and operational efficiencies that define private healthcare settings. This experience allowed them to compare and contrast care delivery across public and private institutions, highlighting how infrastructure, coordination, and staff communication directly impact patient outcomes. Interns observed patient intake, treatment pathways, and follow-up procedures, connecting these processes to their broader understanding of healthcare delivery. By witnessing how teams collaborate, allocate resources, and prioritize patient satisfaction, students learned to appreciate the interplay between clinical excellence and operational efficiency.

Beyond the technical exposure, the tour encouraged interns to reflect on their future roles as healthcare providers. They considered how system-level factors shape ethical decision-making, patient advocacy, and quality of care. This perspective strengthened their professional growth, enhanced their problem-solving skills, and cultivated the cultural and organizational awareness that is critical to global health practice.

By integrating clinical observation with operational understanding, the Private Hospital Tour provided a unique learning environment for pre-clinical and early-career students. Interns gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of healthcare systems, the importance of patient-centered care, and the professional mindset needed to succeed in any healthcare setting.

Access to healthcare transforms lives, strengthens communities, and inspires lasting change. When medical services are b...
03/31/2026

Access to healthcare transforms lives, strengthens communities, and inspires lasting change. When medical services are brought directly to those who need them most, every consultation, conversation, and interaction helps shape a healthier future. Community Medical Clinics bring together care, education, and connection, creating meaningful moments that leave a lasting impact on individuals and families.

At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—our recent Community Medical Clinic at Mjambere Primary School served more than six hundred patients in a single day. The clinic demonstrates how focused, community-centered care can raise awareness, foster trust, and encourage health practices that support well-being across the community. Through each patient interaction, the clinic empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health while reinforcing the importance of accessible medical services in improving public health outcomes.

Community Medical Clinics create a space where knowledge, care, and prevention come together to strengthen health. Initiatives like this support sustainable health practices, promote wellness, and highlight the vital role of local healthcare efforts in building resilient, healthier communities across East Africa. The impact of a single day of dedicated care extends far beyond the clinic walls, helping build a foundation for healthier lives today and for generations to come.

For students pursuing careers in healthcare and the health sciences, preparation goes far beyond textbooks and lectures....
03/28/2026

For students pursuing careers in healthcare and the health sciences, preparation goes far beyond textbooks and lectures. The path to becoming a compassionate and capable healthcare professional is shaped by real experiences—moments that challenge you, inspire you, and remind you why you chose this field in the first place. Many of these opportunities, including meaningful clinical exposure and firsthand insight into patient care, are often difficult for pre-clinical students to access and are typically more available once formal clinical training has begun.

Our Healthcare Internship Programs are intentionally designed to bring these experiences together in a meaningful way. Through structured clinical exposure, interns observe healthcare professionals in real hospital settings, gaining insight into patient care, teamwork, and the day-to-day realities of medicine. These experiences help students connect what they have learned in the classroom with the human side of healthcare.

At the same time, our interns step beyond hospital walls through Community Outreach Initiatives that serve local populations. Whether participating in health education efforts or supporting community health programs, students witness firsthand how healthcare extends into the lives of individuals and families. These experiences cultivate empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of global health challenges.

Equally important is mentorship. Throughout the internship, students engage with experienced physicians and healthcare professionals who guide them, share their journeys, and offer insight into careers in medicine, physician assistant studies, nursing, and other health professions.

By combining clinical observation, community engagement, and professional mentorship, this healthcare internship creates an environment where future healthcare leaders can grow with purpose and clarity. For many students, it becomes an experience that strengthens their commitment to medicine and shapes the path they take toward a career dedicated to caring for others.

Ready to take your first step into global healthcare? Explore our Healthcare Internship Programs by visiting medicalaid.org!

Understanding healthcare goes beyond clinical settings; it requires recognizing the social, economic, and structural fac...
03/25/2026

Understanding healthcare goes beyond clinical settings; it requires recognizing the social, economic, and structural factors that shape patient outcomes. In this reflection, Yater Henry shares how his experience with IMA deepened his perspective on global health and the responsibilities of future healthcare professionals.⁣
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"For a future healthcare professional, the IMA program offers so much more than clinical exposure; it provides a profound view of the social determinants of health and the ethical responsibilities of providers. Witnessing the consequences of healthcare disparity, financial inequality, and limited healthcare literacy enabled a deeper appreciation for the structural forces that shape patient outcomes. It also highlighted the importance of cultural humility, empathy, and advocacy in clinical practice. The internship underscores the importance of healthcare professionals engaging with global health challenges, advocating for equitable access to care, and supporting interventions that address the root causes of health disparities. Regardless of where one practices, this experience underscores the importance of integrating public health principles into clinical practice and of recognizing the connected nature of economic, social, and health systems."⁣
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Yater's reflection highlights the lasting impact of global health experiences in shaping thoughtful, well-rounded healthcare professionals. By connecting clinical learning with a deeper understanding of the systems that influence health, interns are better prepared to approach patient care with empathy, awareness, and a commitment to equity—values that extend far beyond any single setting.⁣
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- 𝐘𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

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