What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Sunday 8am - 5pm

International Medical Aid - IMA

Home
United States
Washington D.C., DC
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 facilitate 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.

11/24/2025

“From the moment I stepped out of Moi International Airport, I was warmly welcomed by IMA staff. Their hospitality exceeded all expectations, from helping with luggage to addressing any concerns. On my way to meet the other interns, I met an intern from a previous cohort who was leaving after completing her program. She shared how transformative her experience had been, describing the challenges, personal growth, and meaningful connections she had made. Hearing her reflections before starting my own program affirmed that I had made the right choice and gave me a glimpse of the journey ahead.⁣
⁣
The mentors, chef, local staff, patients, and medical personnel at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital shaped my understanding of healthcare and life more broadly. Mentors encouraged daily feedback, learning, and reflection, while hospital staff demonstrated how creativity and adaptation can save lives despite limited resources. In Adult A&E, I observed the team balancing chaos with resilience, and in Children’s A&E, I witnessed both heartbreaking cases and the perseverance of staff, patients, and families. Volunteering in the NBU, L&D, Surgery, ICU, and specialty clinics showed the tangible impact of skilled, compassionate care.⁣
⁣
Moments like performing CPR on an elderly patient and assisting in the resuscitation of a newborn underscored the emotional intensity of clinical work and the importance of teamwork, faith, and composure. These experiences opened my eyes to a new culture, healthcare system, and the realities patients face, deepening my commitment to medicine and global health. I am forever grateful for the guidance, support, and life lessons gained through this program.”
⁣
- 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘉𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

11/23/2025

At our flagship site in South America—Cusco, Peru—students discover that medicine is deeply intertwined with culture, equity, and community. Beyond the hospital walls, healthcare unfolds through local clinics, maternal outreach programs, and health education initiatives that reach families in the most remote regions of the Andes. Here, interns learn that medicine is not only about diagnosing illness—it is about listening, adapting, and understanding the lived realities that shape care.⁣
⁣
Each day presents a new lesson in humility and human connection. They see mothers walking hours for a checkup, clinicians improvising with limited tools, and communities bridging tradition with modern practice. In these moments, students begin to understand that effective healthcare is built on empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration.⁣
⁣
For one of our alumni, this realization became the foundation of her professional calling. Her experience in Peru changed how she viewed medicine—shifting it from a science of treatment to a practice of service, equity, and empowerment.⁣
⁣
“My internship with International Medical Aid in Peru transformed my understanding of medicine. I learned that systemic differences shape care delivery, that mothers have a crucial role in community health, that prevention is both urgent and possible, that culture is inseparable from health, and, finally, that personal growth comes through humility and adaptation. These lessons, reinforced by both lived experience and research literature, will guide me as I pursue a career in medicine.⁣
⁣
Ultimately, what I gained in Peru was not only clinical exposure, but a new perspective: that medicine is as much about equity, culture, and empowerment as it is about science. It is this holistic vision—of mothers shaping generations, of communities adapting traditions, of doctors practicing with humility—that I plan to carry forward in every step of my medical career.⁣
⁣
Thank you sincerely, IMA.”⁣
⁣
- 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐄𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐢, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹

11/21/2025

“I feel extremely honored and grateful to have been a part of this program and to have experienced everything that came with it. I interned with the program in Mombasa, Kenya for a duration of two-weeks, shadowing in the pediatric, radiology, maternity, surgery, and emergency departments. Over the course of these two weeks, I learned a lot about medicine, not only various conditions and types of medical practice, but I also discovered the type of physician I want to be. I discovered that, to be a "successful" practitioner, one must not only have extensive medical knowledge and advanced skills, but they must also demonstrate compassion towards all patients. I also realized the extreme importance of adaptability in medicine. ⁣
⁣
I observed practitioners as they navigated procedures and protocols with limited resources, as they were determined to provide the best possible care. One of the moments that I valued the most from this experience was the opportunity to observe cesarean sections, including a case involving an ectopic pregnancy. I am deeply grateful for the International Medical Aid staff, the healthcare professionals who welcomed me to their work, and my fellow interns who had the same deep desire to learn more about both medicine and culture.''⁣
⁣
- 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐊𝐫𝐮𝐦, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟽

11/20/2025

"My experience with IMA in Peru was transformative, and the staff were at the heart of it. Their guidance, care, and example shaped not only my learning but also the way I now see medicine.⁣
⁣
Dr. Fabricio, one of the most down-to-earth and knowledgeable teachers I have had, led many of our lectures and constantly reminded us that health is never just physical; it is also mental. He taught us how to approach patients holistically and how to rely on our clinical skills and hands as tools when technology is limited.⁣
⁣
Dr. Miriam was equally impactful. I had the privilege of being with her when we saw a 78-year-old farmer who had not sought medical care in years. Watching her balance empathy with clinical skill as she cared for him was deeply moving, and it showed me what it means to treat a patient as a whole person.⁣
⁣
Our program director created an environment where we always felt supported and welcomed. The team of mentors played an invaluable role in ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the program. They were present and attentive, often behind the scenes, and their commitment gave us the confidence to immerse ourselves fully in the experience without worry.⁣
⁣
What stood out most to me was that each staff member went beyond their formal roles. The physicians modeled the kind of care that sees patients as individuals with stories, while the program staff ensured that we had the structure and security to learn and grow. This combination made my time in Peru not only eye-opening but also profoundly fulfilling. The program has given me lessons about privilege, resilience, and holistic care that I will carry into my future in medicine, and for that I am deeply grateful to every member of the team."⁣
⁣
- 𝐇𝐢𝐛𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐪, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

11/17/2025

''My experience in Mombasa, Kenya, surpassed every expectation I had going into the program. I felt safe, supported, and well cared for throughout my stay, and I was highly satisfied with the accommodations, food, and overall organization. One moment that stood out was during the hospital orientation when I began feeling faint from adjusting to the heat, our mentors immediately stepped aside with me, stayed until I felt better, and made sure I was comfortable rejoining the group. Their support from day one meant a lot to me. I also truly appreciated the care taken with my dietary needs; I have a severe anaphylactic allergy to tree nuts, and the team worked diligently to keep the residence relatively nut-free during my stay.⁣
⁣
Beyond the clinical experience, I participated in several community treks included in the internship, and each one added so much to my time in Kenya. Transportation was seamless, the guides were knowledgeable, and the treks were a great way to bond with other interns. I especially enjoyed visiting Fort Jesus, Haller Park, and the wood-carving factory. Each location taught me something new and made the experience even more meaningful.⁣
⁣
There were countless extraordinary moments that I could mention, but overall, I had an incredible time in Kenya with IMA and am grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and hopefully make a positive impact on the community under their guidance. I truly appreciate everything the staff did to keep us comfortable, safe, and supported at all times.''⁣
⁣
- 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘔𝘤𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻

11/15/2025

At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—Isaac discovered that nursing extends far beyond tasks, charts, and routines. In the busy wards of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital—Kenya’s second-largest public hospital—he saw leadership in the quiet moments: in how nurses and doctors shared burdens, stretched limited supplies, and still found ways to show up fully for every patient in their care.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
His time with International Medical Aid’s Nursing and Internal Medicine teams showed nurses serving as leaders, advocates, and problem-solvers in a system where equipment and medicine were often in short supply. Isaac watched teams collaborate across disciplines, improvise solutions, and remain grounded in dignity and respect—proving that dedication and creativity can be as critical as any tool in the hospital.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
“One of the most defining moments of my internship was working alongside professionals from Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital during IMA’s Community Medical Clinics. Funded through IMA, these clinics reached underserved areas around Mombasa, providing treatments for common conditions and educating communities on HIV/AIDS and general health.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
During one clinic, I asked a consultant why he continued to volunteer without pay. He told me, ‘Healthcare is not just a job or career—it is a way of life. I cannot idly stand by, knowing I can make a difference.’⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Those words stayed with me. They changed how I view nursing—not just as a profession, but as a lifelong commitment to serving others with empathy and purpose. I left Kenya understanding that true nursing leadership is about resourcefulness, collaboration, and a deep drive to ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve, no matter the obstacles.”⁣⁣
⁣⁣
- 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵

11/14/2025

“In many ways, this entire experience furthered my determination to pursue emergency medicine in addition to sparking a surprising interest in maternity care. While I did not walk away with a sure sense of which field is right for me, this experience most definitely reaffirmed that I couldn’t imagine a profession better suited for me than medicine. The innovation and resilience of these doctors and nurses working with the limited resources they have is truly inspiring. I am absolutely blessed to have been a part of such an amazing journey, which provided me with a perspective I did not know I needed - one that all medical professionals should experience at least once in their lives.⁣
⁣
My internship with International Medical Aid transformed the way I view healthcare and the meaning of service. What began as an opportunity to strengthen clinical skills became a journey of rediscovering compassion, adaptability, and purpose. Working alongside physicians who approached every case with courage and creativity showed me that medicine extends beyond diagnosis—it is about presence, empathy, and trust. Each patient encounter, whether in the triage bay or the maternity ward, revealed the human side of healing that textbooks rarely capture. I learned that even in limited-resource settings, the power of care lies not in the equipment, but in the hands and hearts of those who provide it. I left Kenya with more than medical experience—I left with a renewed sense of humility and a global awareness that will continue to shape how I practice medicine for the rest of my life.”⁣
⁣
- 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘯

11/13/2025

Another look at our Masai Mara Game Reserve + Nairobi Overnight Trek—seamlessly weaving conservation, wildlife, and culture. We begin in Nairobi at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, where conservation comes to life up close. Then the savannah opens: sweeping game drives across the Masai Mara, Big Five moments, and horizons moving with zebra and wildebeest. A visit to a Maasai village brings conversation, craft, and connection, before campfire reflections under star-bright skies. Sunsets that linger, lessons that last. Experience the adventure in the heart of East Africa.

Learn more about our award-winning programs at medicalaid.org!

11/10/2025

This summer, groups of interns based at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—had the opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most remarkable journeys: the Masai Mara Safari. Their adventure began in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where they explored the intersection of conservation and culture. At the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, interns learned about efforts to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants, while at the Giraffe Centre they stood face to face with giraffes and gained a deeper appreciation for protecting this endangered species.

After a night in Nairobi, each group traveled to the Masai Mara, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Full-day game drives offered unforgettable encounters with Africa’s Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—alongside herds of zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe moving across the savannah.

The safari also opened a window into culture and community. Visits to Maasai villages provided meaningful insight into local traditions, resilience, and the profound connection between people and land. Shared conversations and demonstrations of daily life deepened interns’ understanding of the values that sustain the Maasai way of life. Evenings around the campfire offered time for reflection, allowing interns to connect more deeply with one another and with the place itself.

IMA’s Masai Mara Safari weaves conservation, culture, and connection into an unforgettable experience. Learn more about our upcoming programs at medicalaid.org!

11/09/2025

At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—Sophia discovered that psychology extends beyond the therapy room. In the busy wards of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital—Kenya’s second-largest public hospital—she saw mental health care in silence, stories, and small acts of courage, where true care was cultural, compassionate, and grounded in genuine human connection.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Her time with International Medical Aid’s Mental Health Team showed psychologists serving as advocates, counselors, and bridges in a community where stigma, spiritual beliefs, and fear often shape how mental illness is understood. Sophia watched these professionals meet patients and families at the bedside, in corridors, and on home visits—offering stability and understanding where medicine alone could not reach.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
“My time with IMA and at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya was utterly life-changing and exemplified Helen Keller’s quote: ‘Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.’ I witnessed psychologists serve as counselors and advocates, bridging gaps that medicine alone could not reach. Beyond treating psychological disorders, they became the emotional backbone for patients and families navigating loss, trauma, and uncertainty. What struck me most was their courage—fighting stigma not only against mental illness but against deeply ingrained beliefs in witchcraft and fate. Every conversation, every home visit, became a lesson in cultural humility and compassion.⁣

The experience challenged what I thought I knew about mental health care. It made me realize that true healing extends beyond therapy rooms—it begins with understanding, listening, and meeting people where they are. My time in Mombasa reaffirmed my desire to pursue clinical psychology and advocate for global mental health awareness. I left Kenya not just as an intern, but as a witness to resilience and the quiet strength of humanity.”⁣⁣
⁣⁣
- 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣⁣
𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘮 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺

11/07/2025

For many high school students, stepping into a hospital for the first time can feel overwhelming. Without licenses or certifications, it’s easy to wonder: Can I really make a difference? The truth is—impact in healthcare isn’t only found in charts or procedures. Some of the most powerful moments come from simple human connection: sitting beside a patient who feels alone, bringing a smile to a child on a long clinic day, listening to a mother’s story, offering dignity and kindness in a busy ward. Every shadowing experience, every observation, every conversation plants seeds of empathy and perspective. These aren’t side notes—they are the foundation of the provider you are becoming.�

At IMA, we offer one of the most intensive, structured, patient-facing experiences available to high school–age candidates. Our programs are built around the core belief that empathetic, culturally competent healthcare providers are formed early—through intentional exposure, guided reflection, and responsible engagement in real clinical settings. We provide the structure, mentorship, and ethical safeguards to ensure every moment is safe, respectful, and grounded in genuine human connection. It’s why so many of our high school interns describe their time with IMA as truly transformative.�

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

11/05/2025

"...What stood out most was the level of time and energy devoted to each patient, even when dozens of people were still waiting in line for their turn. The physicians did not appear rushed, nor did they view the encounter as transactional. Instead, they treated each consultation as an opportunity to form a bond, however brief, and to empower the patient with knowledge about their own health. In doing so, they conveyed a sense of shared responsibility: the doctor was not there merely to diagnose, but to partner with the patient in navigating an uncertain healthcare landscape.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Witnessing this reshaped my understanding of what it means to be a healthcare professional. In Canada, where I hope to one day practice, it is easy to let the efficiency of protocols and the security of advanced technology take precedence over the human element of care.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Technology, diagnostics, and medications are all powerful tools, but they cannot replace the healing that occurs when a patient feels seen, heard, and cared for. The physicians I shadowed in Cusco demonstrated that even in the absence of advanced resources, meaningful progress in a patient’s health can be achieved through compassion and determination.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Looking ahead, I know that my career in healthcare will demand more than intellectual competence. It will ask of me the same type of personal investment that I saw modeled in Peru: to take the time to listen, to approach every patient with humility, and to recognize the broader social determinants that shape their health outcomes. I intend to cultivate these qualities during my medical education and throughout my professional life, drawing on my experiences with International Medical Aid as a reminder of the impact that genuine human connection can have in clinical care."⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
- 𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣⁣⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

Address

1629 K Street NW Suite 300
Washington D.C., DC
20006

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	8am - 5pm
Sunday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://www.medicalaid.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when International Medical Aid - IMA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Washington D.C.?