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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.

03/24/2026

Nearly a decade after joining International Medical Aid as a Pre-Medicine Intern, Dr. Kristina Myers returned to our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—this time as a pediatrician making a difference in neonatal care.

Driven by her passion for global health, particularly neonatal and pediatric resuscitation, Dr. Myers independently returned to Mombasa to support local healthcare teams. Her commitment to improving newborn and pediatric emergency care brought her back to share her expertise while continuing to learn from clinicians working in a different healthcare setting.

During her two-week volunteer stay, she collaborated with healthcare teams at Mariakani and Mtwapa Sub-County Hospitals, exchanging knowledge and strengthening clinical skills through collaborative learning. She also led hands-on neonatal resuscitation training sessions at Mtwapa Sub-County Hospital and Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, helping equip healthcare practitioners with essential life-saving skills.

Kristina’s journey highlights the lasting impact of early global health experiences and exemplifies IMA’s mission to cultivate knowledge, skills, and meaningful partnerships that strengthen healthcare in communities worldwide.

Inspired by stories like Kristina’s? Learn more about our immersive Global Health Internship Programs at medicalaid.org!

03/23/2026

Access to accurate reproductive health information plays a critical role in shaping how young women perceive themselves, influencing their confidence, clarity, and self-assurance. At Kashani Secondary School, located at our flagship site in Mombasa, Kenya, we recently facilitated a Women’s Health Education Session designed to strengthen this connection. The session created a safe and structured environment where students explored menstrual health, understood bodily changes, and learned to recognize key signs that may require medical attention.

In many school settings, gaps in reliable health information can lead to misconceptions and uncertainty, often affecting self-esteem and how students engage in both academic and social spaces. Addressing these gaps through education helps foster greater awareness and confidence. Through open dialogue and practical guidance, students developed a clearer understanding of their bodies. As their knowledge deepened, so did their confidence. Participants engaged more openly, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed to discussions that are often considered sensitive.

The session reinforced an important outcome: when young women understand their bodies, they build trust in themselves, make informed decisions, and participate more confidently in their daily lives.

At IMA, we recognize health education as a powerful driver of empowerment. By equipping girls with accurate, practical knowledge, we support the development of confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self that extends well beyond the classroom.

03/17/2026

Understanding emotions is an essential part of maintaining overall well-being, yet young people often have limited opportunities to explore them openly. During our recent Mental Health Awareness Clinic at Shariani Secondary School, one of our flagship sites in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—our interns worked with students to create a supportive space where conversations about emotional health could take place thoughtfully and constructively.⁣
The session focused on emotional literacy, helping students better recognize, understand, and articulate their feelings. Through guided discussions and interactive activities, students explored how emotions influence daily experiences, relationships, and decision-making. By learning to identify and express their emotions clearly, students are better equipped to respond to challenges in healthy and constructive ways.⁣
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For many young people, simply having the opportunity to talk about emotions in a safe and respectful environment can be deeply meaningful. The discussion emphasized that emotions such as stress, frustration, and sadness are a natural part of life, and that developing the language and confidence to express these feelings can be an important step toward maintaining mental well-being.⁣
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The session also encouraged students to support one another by fostering empathy, understanding, and open communication among peers. By strengthening these skills, young people can help create school environments where students feel more comfortable seeking help, sharing their experiences, and supporting one another through difficult moments.⁣
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Mental health education is an important part of helping young people navigate the challenges of adolescence. By focusing on emotional literacy, sessions like this empower students with practical tools that can support their well-being not only in school, but throughout their lives. International Medical Aid is proud to continue providing these resources as part of our growing global health initiatives, expanding meaningful opportunities for education, outreach, and community engagement in the communities we serve.

03/16/2026

Healthy communities often begin with the simplest habits. During our most recent Hygiene Education Session at Umoja Primary School, located at our flagship sites in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—, our interns had the opportunity to engage students in conversations about the importance of everyday hygiene practices and how small actions can make a significant difference in overall health and well-being. Through interactive discussions and demonstrations, students learned about the value of proper handwashing, oral hygiene, and maintaining clean daily habits. While these practices may seem routine, they play a critical role in preventing common illnesses, reducing the spread of infections, and helping children remain healthy and present in school.⁣⁣
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In many communities, limited access to resources and health education can make it more difficult to build consistent hygiene habits. By introducing practical and accessible health knowledge at an early age, these sessions help students better understand the connection between their daily routines and their long-term health. The students' enthusiasm and curiosity made the session especially meaningful for our interns, who were inspired by their engagement and eagerness to learn. These moments of shared learning highlight how education, when paired with community engagement, can empower young people to take ownership of their health and share these lessons with their families and peers.⁣⁣
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Simple habits, like washing hands or brushing teeth, may appear small, but their impact reaches far beyond the classroom. By reinforcing these practices, we take an important step toward improving student health, reducing absenteeism, and strengthening the broader community's well-being.

03/13/2026

We extend our sincere gratitude to Melina Vom Saal, Pre-Medicine Fall 2025 Alum, and her family for their generous donation of patient vital monitors, wheelchairs, and stethoscopes to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. Their initiative reflects how individual acts of support can strengthen healthcare systems and improve the experience of care for both patients and providers.

In public hospitals where hundreds of patients arrive daily, every tool matters. Clinicians work tirelessly to assess, monitor, and care for patients, often under pressure and with limited resources. By enabling continuous monitoring of vital signs, improving patient mobility, and supporting timely clinical decision-making, these donations help clinicians deliver care that is faster, more precise, and deeply patient-centered, helping lay the foundation for stronger patient outcomes.

Every donated tool represents an opportunity for timely care, safer treatment, greater comfort, and better outcomes for patients. Melina and her family’s initiative highlights how compassion and proactive support can inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders to act with purpose and empathy.

03/12/2026

"Coming into the International Medical Aid internship, my role was clearly defined as strictly observational. Within those boundaries, my goals were to gain exposure to real-world clinical environments and demystify what it means to be a medical practitioner. As a Rwandan, I was particularly motivated to link my academic knowledge to diagnostic processes and patient care pathways specific to East Africa, while gaining insight into local challenges in public health service delivery. I also aimed, specifically within my observational role, to understand and apply safe patient-handling procedures. I sought to develop effective communication with supervising clinicians and patients, and demonstrate respect, teamwork, and punctuality at all times. ⁣
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At the end of the experience, I felt truly proud of myself. I had worked toward these goals by completing two ten-hour night shifts, fully immersing myself in the hospital environment and its rhythms. I made a conscious effort to build relationships with the students and nurses, who helped me understand the local clinical context and workplace culture. Throughout the internship, I kept a daily journal in which I documented each case I observed, questions that arose, and medical terms and lessons I learned from doctors. As the days progressed, I became more confident in my interactions with patients: comforting them when they were distressed, joking with them when appropriate, and asking how I could help in small ways, such as locating their spouses or calling a doctor. To improve communication, I took notes of helpful Swahili phrases. “Nitaenda kuuliza daktari, ” and “Siongeyi Kiswahili. Unaelewa Kiingereza?” were my favourites. Speaking Swahili, even just at the start, showed patients respect and care, one of the goals I set out to meet. Together, these efforts pushed me to achieve my clinical objectives while remaining within the observational scope of the program."⁣
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- 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻

03/10/2026

"My experience with International Medical Aid was incredibly meaningful and exceeded my expectations in many ways. From the moment I arrived, the IMA team made me feel safe, welcomed, and prepared. The staff members were dependable, organized, and genuinely invested in our learning and well-being. They consistently checked in on us and ensured we could navigate both the hospital environment and the community with confidence. The meals were really good, offering a variety of local dishes that allowed us to appreciate the culture while still accommodating dietary preferences. I loved how everything was halal too! Beyond clinical skills, this internship helped me develop confidence, cultural humility, adaptability, and emotional resilience. It pushed me to think deeply about the disparities in global healthcare and strengthened my passion for pursuing a career as a provider who can advocate for underserved communities.⁣
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During my internship with International Medical Aid at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, I gained far more than I anticipated: a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities, a profound respect for resilience and community, and a renewed commitment to pursue my career with intention. Shadowing in the pediatric and maternity wards, I observed how healthcare providers deliver care with limited resources, yet approach every patient with skill, compassion, and creativity. I learned that medicine is not just about treatment plans, but also about advocacy, cultural humility, and emotional intelligence. Witnessing doctors and nurses navigate critical decisions and provide comfort in moments of loss taught me that caring for patients goes beyond clinical expertise—it requires empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to human connection. This experience reshaped my understanding of healthcare and solidified my desire to serve others with intention and purpose."⁣
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- 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻

03/09/2026

"During my four-week internship with International Medical Aid at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, I experienced medicine in a way that challenged and expanded my understanding of healthcare. Shadowing physicians across departments such as pediatrics, emergency, maternity, and surgery exposed me to a system shaped by limited resources, high patient volumes, and complex clinical challenges that required creativity, resilience, and adaptability. I observed a wide range of cases, from common pediatric illnesses like malaria and pneumonia to rare and complex conditions. Witnessing both the triumphs and the heartbreaks of medicine gave me a deeper appreciation for the resilience of patients and the dedication of the healthcare providers caring for them.⁣
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Beyond the hospital, participating in IMA-organized Community Outreach Activities was equally transformative. During a Hygiene Education Session at a local elementary school, we taught children how to properly wash their hands and brush their teeth. What stood out most to me was their overwhelming joy and gratitude simply for our presence. Despite having far fewer material resources than I had growing up, their happiness and energy were incredibly humbling. It reminded me that fulfillment and connection do not depend on abundance, but on compassion, empathy, and community.⁣
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My time in Mombasa reshaped how I see medicine. I learned that healthcare is influenced by far more than science—it is deeply connected to culture, education, economics, and access. These experiences strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine that is compassionate, adaptable, and dedicated to improving care for underserved communities.”⁣
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- 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐧, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘴 𝘙𝘪𝘰 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

03/06/2026

"Before medical school, I wondered whether medicine’s purpose was to prolong life or improve its quality. In Kenya, I discovered that medicine is neither solely science nor solely service—it is the art of humanity applied under the microscope of clinical care. Stepping into Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, I witnessed both the whimsical and the stark: from machete injuries to patients navigating scarcity with resilience. These experiences revealed that care is inseparable from empathy, respect, and adaptability.⁣
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Through my CARE framework—Character, Agape, Resilience, Emotion—I observed medicine’s deeper dimensions. Agape is shown in simple gestures: holding a patient’s hand during procedures or offering reassurance amidst chaos. Resilience and Respect emerged as surgeons improvised with imperfect implants, preserving dignity despite limitations. Emotion proved an asset, not a liability, as staff calmed distressed families while making critical decisions. Surgery captivated me not only for its precision but for its profound responsibility: restoring function while honoring patient vulnerability.⁣
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Medicine, I realized, demands scientific skill and a cultivated character. My time in Kenya deepened my understanding that to heal is to engage fully with human fragility and resilience. I leave with gratitude, conviction, and no regret: I aspire to become a doctor who blends competence with warmth, crafting care that embraces both science and humanity."⁣
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- 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐢, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯 𝟸𝟶𝟹𝟶

03/04/2026

"Throughout my six weeks in Kenya, I was humbled by the generosity of physicians and patients alike. Doctors explained cases in detail during rounds, called me to observe interesting presentations, and paused before long surgeries to teach me about their approaches. I am also grateful to patients who allowed me to examine them and learn from their experiences. The clinical cases were unlike those in the United States: broken bones from falling coconut trees, head injuries from donkey kicks, and tuk-tuk accidents. While difficult to witness, these cases taught me to think creatively and broadly about diagnosis and treatment, and to appreciate how different populations approach care within their constraints.⁣
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My time in Kenya taught me skills I will carry throughout my healthcare career: cultural humility, resourcefulness in diagnosis, understanding systemic barriers, and patient advocacy. These experiences will stay with me—not as abstract lessons, but as real people whose stories shape how I practice. I am committed to integrating health education into my work, especially for underserved populations, and to answering questions that help patients overcome fear or confusion. Until I become a provider, I hope to continue empowering patients with the confidence to navigate and advocate for their own health, beginning simply with education.⁣
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I do not take my position for granted. I understand the privilege of observing without bearing the daily burden of these healthcare providers and leaving when my rotation ended. This experience clarified my path. I am pursuing a career in healthcare because I want to be part of closing these gaps. I hope to return to Kenya one day as a physician, where I can provide deserving care to a population that contributed so much to my education."⁣
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- 𝐙𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹

03/03/2026

"Experiencing my first natural birth in Kenya strengthened my decision to include birthing centers where childbirth can be a positive, empowering, and humane experience. I want these centers to combine compassionate, patient-centered bedside care I learned in the United States with the innovative, family-centered approaches I observed at Coast General Hospital in Mombasa. Despite limited resources, the staff at Coast General showed remarkable dedication and ingenuity, making the most of what they had while keeping families at the center of care. By blending clinical skill, compassion, innovation, and family involvement, I hope to build a model of care that meets medical needs while preserving dignity and well-being for mothers and children. My goal is to bridge these two worlds, bringing together knowledge, empathy, and resourcefulness to improve experiences for women and families.⁣

Reflecting on my time in both countries, I see my journey as more than travel—it became a bridge between two healthcare systems. In American hospitals, I learned the value of technology, structure, and patient-focused care. In Kenya, I witnessed the power of creativity, teamwork, and family support, even with limited tools. These lessons showed me that true healthcare is not only about machines or medication, but about empathy, respect, and human connection.⁣

Through future postpartum and birthing centers, I hope to unite these strengths—combining clinical precision with holistic, family-focused care. I want to create spaces where mothers are supported physically and emotionally, where childbirth is empowering, and motherhood is met with dignity. This journey across miles and systems taught me that the best care is not about choosing one method over another, but about learning from both, and building something better in between. Truly, this has been my story: 'Between Two Wards: A Journey from American Hospitals to Kenya’s Public Health System."

- 𝐍𝐚𝐨𝐦𝐢 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭

03/01/2026

Transitions shape us, and experiences leave lasting impressions. Our most recent cohort reflected on their time at our flagship sites in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—sharing how this journey strengthened their skills, broadened their perspectives, and deepened their understanding of healthcare in practice.

Their reflections now serve as a roadmap for the next cohort, highlighting lessons learned and providing practical insight for hands-on, collaborative learning. As one chapter closes, another quietly begins, leaving behind guidance and valuable knowledge for those who will follow.

At IMA, we remain committed to offering opportunities for applied learning, cross-cultural exchange, and meaningful impact in the healthcare field. Ready to gain real-world experience that shapes your career? Applications are now open for our Summer 2026 Healthcare Internship Programs. Learn more and apply today at medicalaid.org.

With all of that said, let’s hear what our alumni had to say—their top tips from their experiences abroad.

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