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International Medical Aid - IMA

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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.

02/06/2026

Every routine has a reason behind it—or sometimes, it’s a habit we’ve never stopped to question. At Miche Bora Primary School, located at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we recently conducted a Hygiene Education Session that invited learners to reflect on and rethink their everyday hygiene practices.

The session began with simple but revealing questions about daily routines: when learners wash their hands, where they usually wash them, why they brush their teeth, and how long it takes. As responses emerged, common patterns became clear—hands rinsed quickly between classes, toothbrushes used only briefly, and hygiene practiced mainly when dirt was visible. These honest answers guided the conversation, helping interns identify which habits to explore further and which misunderstandings to gently address.

From there, interns engaged learners through practical demonstrations. They broke down proper handwashing and toothbrushing step by step, explaining the purpose of each action and when it matters most. Learners followed along, practiced the techniques themselves, and asked thoughtful questions as they compared familiar routines with new approaches. What began as habit gradually transformed into understanding.

By turning everyday routines into opportunities for learning, the session equipped learners with skills they can carry into daily life. These simple yet informed practices support healthier days, fewer missed lessons, and a stronger sense of responsibility for personal care—while also reinforcing broader public health outcomes by helping reduce preventable illness, limit the spread of infection in classrooms and at home, and strengthen community-wide health and well-being.

02/04/2026

Healthcare doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it lives within the stories, traditions, and daily lives of the people we serve. At International Medical Aid, we guide interns to discover these stories firsthand. Through authentic and intentional cultural immersion at our flagship sites in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—and South America—Cusco, Peru—interns experience the rhythm of local life while connecting it directly to the healthcare challenges and triumphs they witness.

Guided lectures introduce interns to local history, society, and health systems, helping them see how culture, policy, and community values shape well-being. Cultural treks bring these lessons to life—whether exploring bustling markets, visiting heritage sites, or walking through nature sanctuaries—where interns observe how environment and lifestyle influence health every day. Themed experiences, such as Swahili Night or traditional Peruvian gatherings, immerse interns in local music, cuisine, and storytelling, creating moments of connection that go beyond observation.

This immersion changes the way interns approach healthcare. It teaches them to see patients as whole people, shaped by culture, environment, and history. It inspires empathy, curiosity, and adaptability—qualities that cannot be learned from a textbook alone. Each lecture, trek, and shared meal deepens understanding, equipping interns with a perspective that strengthens every clinical encounter.

At IMA, cultural immersion is a foundation of the program. By experiencing life alongside the communities they serve, interns gain insights that transform their global healthcare journey—fostering culturally competent, compassionate providers who can make a lasting impact wherever they go.

02/03/2026

We are truly grateful to everyone who came together to make our recent Community Medical Clinic at Takaungu Clinic possible. Conducted at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—the day reflected what can happen when communities and healthcare teams show up for one another. From early morning preparations to the final patient seen, over six hundred individuals accessed essential care in a single day—a clear reflection of both the need for services and the trust within the community.

For the second time in under six months, International Medical Aid returned to this community, continuing a growing partnership rooted in consistency and care. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the clinic also provided cervical cancer screening for one hundred women and prostate screening for over fifty men. These services created opportunities for early detection, informed conversations, and proactive steps toward long-term health.

This clinic was shaped by collaboration at every level. We are deeply thankful to the Kilifi County Government, and to the oncologists, surgeons, doctors, interns, and staff whose shared commitment ensured that each patient was welcomed, guided, and treated with respect. Beyond screenings and consultations, there were moments of reassurance, education, and connection that defined the day.

We leave Takaungu Clinic encouraged by what sustained partnerships and community trust can achieve. Every interaction reinforced a simple truth: meaningful healthcare is built together—through presence, partnership, and a shared commitment to healthier communities.

02/01/2026

Understanding your body is the first step to taking charge of your health. When students can recognize what’s normal—and what needs attention—they gain knowledge, confidence, and greater control over their well-being.

Recently, at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we hosted a Women’s Health Education Session at Khadija Secondary School, centered on a question many young women carry quietly: How do I know what’s normal in my body? When changes go unexplained, uncertainty can take hold and shape how students relate to their health. This session created space for clarity, reassurance, and informed understanding.

With guidance from our interns, students explored common bodily changes and learned how to identify signs that may require medical attention. Through open discussion, they practiced self-awareness—learning to notice patterns, listen to their bodies, and take ownership of health decisions. The conversations emphasized confidence, responsibility, and comfort in seeking routine check-ups as part of long-term well-being.

As the dialogue deepened, students recognized that understanding their bodies helps them make informed choices, advocate for themselves, and support one another. The session sparked curiosity and honest conversation, encouraging students to ask questions, share experiences, and normalize learning about reproductive health. These early habits of observation and communication help create a culture where young women feel empowered to care for their health—and to seek guidance with confidence whenever they need it.

Our Women’s Health Education Sessions lay the foundation for lifelong awareness, proactive care, and self-advocacy. By equipping young women with knowledge, confidence, and access to trusted guidance, we help build a future where understanding and caring for their bodies becomes second nature.

01/30/2026

Recently, at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—our interns led a Mental Health Awareness Clinic at Kwabulo Secondary School, creating a space where students could rethink what mental health really means. Rather than something addressed only in moments of crisis, the session emphasized that well-being is shaped every day through our habits, the way we relate to ourselves and others, and the small, consistent choices we make.

Through open, thoughtful conversations, students explored how stress, family dynamics, pressure, and grief quietly influence their lives—and how noticing these feelings early is a sign of strength. Our interns guided discussions with empathy, answering questions, sharing practical strategies, and encouraging students to view care, self-awareness, and reaching out as everyday tools—not reactions to emergencies.

Students engaged actively, reflecting on their own routines and identifying ways to build mental resilience in their daily lives. The energy in the room was tangible: curiosity sparked dialogue, and personal stories were met with understanding and encouragement. Moments like these reminded both interns and students that mental health is a shared responsibility, and that fostering it creates stronger, more connected communities.

By framing mental health as an ongoing practice rather than a reactive measure, the clinic empowered students to carry these lessons into their daily lives. Learn more about our outreach initiatives and how International Medical Aid interns are shaping the conversation on mental well-being in East Africa.

01/24/2026

Good habits formed early can shape a lifetime of health and confidence. For children, understanding the importance of hygiene helps prevent illness and gives them the tools to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
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At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—International Medical Aid interns recently led a Hygiene Education Session at Sparki Comprehensive Primary School. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities, students explored proper handwashing, toothbrushing, and other daily hygiene practices that form the foundation of good health.
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Interns engaged with students through lively demonstrations, encouraging participation, answering questions, and creating a supportive learning environment. Children practiced new skills, received personal hygiene kits to reinforce lessons at home, and gained a clearer understanding of how small daily habits can prevent disease and protect themselves and their families.
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Early health education plays a crucial role in strengthening learning outcomes. When children feel healthy and confident in their bodies, they are better able to focus in the classroom, participate fully in school activities, and develop the resilience needed to succeed. By connecting hygiene practices with real-life benefits, interns helped students see how knowledge empowers them to take charge of their own well-being.
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Fostering good hygiene habits early helps build stronger families, healthier communities, and a generation better equipped to prevent illness before it starts. For our interns, leading these lessons is both a hands-on educational experience and a meaningful way to support sustainable public health—strengthening community resilience and seeing firsthand how simple knowledge, shared with care, can create lasting change.

01/23/2026

Access to healthcare can be life-changing when it meets people where they are. For many communities, the difference between unmet needs and timely care is simply a matter of proximity, trust, and opportunity.

At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—our interns supported a Community Medical Clinic at Amani Primary School, delivering essential healthcare services directly to an underserved community. By bringing care into a familiar and accessible space, the clinic removed common barriers such as distance, cost, and limited resources, allowing individuals and families to seek care with dignity and ease.

Throughout the clinic, interns moved beyond observation and into active participation. Working closely alongside local healthcare professionals, they assisted with patient screenings, supported consultations, and guided patients through follow-up care. From taking vital signs and organizing patient flow to answering questions and offering reassurance, interns played a meaningful role in each patient's experience while gaining firsthand exposure to community-based healthcare delivery.

The clinic also created space for learning and reassurance. As patients moved through screenings and consultations, interns and healthcare providers offered guidance, answered questions, and helped patients better understand their care. These interactions supported confidence and clarity, reminding individuals and families that health education is a key part of long-term well-being.

The impact of the Community Medical Clinic at Amani Primary School extended far beyond a single day. By prioritizing early screening, preventive care, and accessible health education, the clinic strengthened families, fostered trust, and contributed to the community's long-term well-being. Through experiences like this, International Medical Aid interns deepen their understanding of global health equity while helping build sustainable, community-driven healthcare solutions that create lasting change.

01/20/2026

Every girl deserves the opportunity to understand her body and the changes it goes through. Knowledge can transform fear and confusion into confidence and empowerment. At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we recently conducted a Women’s Health Education Session at Mohamed Ali Girls Secondary School, creating a safe space for students to ask the questions they often wished they had been able to ask sooner.

Students spoke openly about the gaps in health education they had carried for years. Many asked about irregular periods and whether they were a cause for concern. Others sought clarity on menstrual health and conditions like toxic shock syndrome—topics that are rarely explained in school. Some questioned long-held myths about pregnancy that had fueled fear, shame, or confusion instead of understanding.

The session made one thing clear: when accurate information is missing, uncertainty grows. Several students shared that they had normalized discomfort, dismissed symptoms, or relied on misinformation simply because they had never had a safe, supportive space to ask. Hearing these questions was a powerful reminder of how often girls are expected to navigate major changes in their bodies without guidance.

As the session continued, understanding began to replace doubt. Students reflected on how different their experiences might have been if these conversations had happened sooner—before myths took hold and before silence filled the gaps left by missing education.

At International Medical Aid, we are committed to creating spaces where young women can receive clear, respectful answers—helping them build self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to take charge of their health.

Learn more about our Global Health Initiatives and how you can get involved at medicalaid.org!

01/15/2026

Returning to school after a long holiday can bring a mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. Many students carry experiences, challenges, or emotions from the break that are not always easy to process. At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we recently conducted a Mental Health Awareness Clinic at MariMani Secondary School, creating a welcoming and supportive space for students to pause, reflect, and share the challenges they faced during the holiday period.

Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and one-on-one conversations, students were encouraged to express their thoughts openly, explore their emotions, and recognize that the feelings they were experiencing were normal and shared by others. Many reflected on changes in their home lives, academic pressure, and the adjustments that come with returning to routine. Taking the time to pause and process these experiences allowed students to approach the new term with greater clarity, balance, and focus.

Our interns, clinical staff, and local partners facilitated these sessions with care and empathy, modeling active listening and guiding students to identify healthy ways to cope with stress. The sessions emphasized emotional awareness, communication skills, and the importance of seeking support when needed. By validating feelings and providing tools for reflection, the clinic helped students develop strategies to navigate challenges in a constructive and mindful way.

By offering this safe and nurturing space at the start of the term, the clinic empowered students to begin the school year feeling seen, supported, and equipped to face challenges with confidence. These sessions set the stage for a positive and balanced school year, reinforcing that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being and growth.

01/14/2026

At the core of every IMA program is clinical learning in a global context—giving our interns the chance to grow not only as pre-health students, but as emerging healthcare professionals. At our flagship site in South America—Cusco, Peru—interns complete a formative clinical experience while rotating at El Metropolitano, a community medical outpost within Peru’s public EsSalud Hospital system.

Throughout their placements, interns work under the guidance of experienced local healthcare professionals across multiple specialties, gaining exposure to diverse clinical practices and patient-care approaches. Through this mentorship, interns connect classroom learning to real-world clinical environments through observation, guided discussion, and hands-on experiences appropriate to their level of training.

El Metropolitano offers a dynamic setting where interns observe patient flow, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the day-to-day operations of the Peruvian healthcare system. These experiences help interns develop a deeper understanding of clinical responsibility, teamwork, and professional conduct within a public hospital context.

Interns also gain insight into the importance of culturally responsive care—recognizing how local beliefs, language, and community context shape health decisions and patient outcomes. They observe how integrative and traditional approaches can complement clinical care, reinforcing the value of listening, cultural humility, and adapting communication to meet patients where they are.

By immersing themselves in clinical care in Cusco, interns expand their global perspective on healthcare, strengthen their confidence in clinical environments, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. At IMA, experiences at our flagship sites play a vital role in shaping thoughtful, adaptable, and globally minded future healthcare leaders.

01/13/2026

At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—our interns recently visited Haller Park, a restored nature park and wildlife sanctuary in the Bamburi neighborhood, as part of their cultural immersion experience. This visit offered a vivid glimpse into how thoughtful conservation can restore ecosystems—and how closely human communities and the natural world are connected.

From feeding giraffes to observing hippos and crocodiles, interns were fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the park. Guided by experts, they learned how habitats are restored, endangered species are protected, and local communities engage in sustainable practices. These experiences offered interns a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship and the role humans play in preserving ecosystems.

At IMA, we believe cultural immersion experiences like visiting Haller Park extend learning beyond the hospital, helping interns connect clinical learning with the broader context of public health, community resilience, and environmental responsibility—insights that deepen cultural humility and stay with interns long after they return home.

01/11/2026

The start of a new academic year is full of promise, new lessons, new friends, and new routines. It’s also a crucial moment to set habits that support students’ health, confidence, and ability to learn. At our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we recently conducted a Hygiene Education Session at Majaoni Primary School, where our interns taught students the proper ways to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and practice other basic hygiene habits that prevent illness and support daily learning.

Throughout the session, students actively participated in hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities, asking questions, practicing techniques, and encouraging one another. Our interns guided them with patience and care, showing that learning about health can be engaging, fun, and empowering. By connecting knowledge with practical action, the session gave students tools they can use every day and lessons they can carry with them throughout the year.

Each child also received a personal hygiene kit to take home, reinforcing these practices beyond the classroom. These small, consistent habits can prevent illness, boost confidence, and support students’ learning throughout the months ahead. At IMA, we recognize that early education lays the foundation for lifelong well-being, and that equipping children with knowledge today not only strengthens their health but also benefits their families and communities.

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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/

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