International Medical Aid - IMA

10/24/2026

“Overall, I had a great experience with International Medical Aid. I felt that they took good care of my needs in Kenya. I felt very comfortable in the house, enjoyed the great food, and appreciated the opportunity to experience Kenyan and Swahili culture through activities such as Swahili Night and day trips. I also enjoyed discovering that many Kenyan dishes are similar to Indian dishes. Throughout the program, I felt safe and appreciated having staff members, particularly the Program Mentors, available whenever we needed help or had questions.

My hospital experience was the most impactful part of the program. Being placed in the Internal Medicine department at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital exposed me to a variety of procedures and surgeries, including angiograms, C-sections, biopsies, laparoscopic surgical procedures, and G-tube insertions. My Clinical Mentor was also a great influence on me. He made me feel comfortable asking questions and took the time to explain things to me during rounds and while interacting with patients.

The Community Outreach Activities were also a wonderful experience, as they taught me that being a medical practitioner involves more than just treating patients in hospitals. It also involves disease prevention and management, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles through education and encouraging people to maintain proper hygiene.

I came to Kenya as an aspiring medical practitioner, but I am leaving with a stronger determination to pursue a career in surgery, specifically gastrointestinal surgery. The experience I have gained over these past few weeks is unlike anything I could have learned in a lecture hall alone. It has provided me with valuable clinical exposure while also broadening my cultural understanding.”

— 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐧, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘗. 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 2027

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

"I had an amazing experience in Kenya, and I truly cannot say enough positive things about the program. Every aspect of the experience felt thoughtfully planned and well executed. From the hospital rotations to the cultural activities and excursions, it was clear that International Medical Aid put a great deal of care into creating a meaningful experience for every intern.⁣
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One of my favorite parts of the program was the wide variety of activities outside of the hospital. Visiting places like Haller Park, exploring local communities, and participating in the Community Outreach Activities allowed me to experience Kenya beyond the clinical setting. These experiences gave me a much deeper understanding of the country's culture, people, and healthcare system, and I felt that IMA did an excellent job of immersing us in all that Kenya has to offer.⁣
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The in-country support was exceptional. All of the Program Mentors were approachable, engaging, and genuinely invested in our experience. They were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure we felt comfortable throughout our stay. They also helped make our beach safari a memorable experience by creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt involved. From our arrival at the residence to our time exploring Kenya, their dedication helped make the program both enjoyable and rewarding.⁣
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Overall, this experience had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth. It strengthened my passion for becoming a Physician Assistant, broadened my perspective on global health and healthcare disparities, and taught me the importance of adaptability, compassion, and cultural humility. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and will carry the lessons I learned in Kenya with me throughout my career."⁣
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— 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟽

10/19/2026

Over the weekend, International Medical Aid was honored to participate in the 2026 UC Davis Pre-Health Conference, more than a decade after we first began participating in this event. It was a pleasure to return and connect with students, academic advisors, and educators supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and other healthcare fields.

Throughout the conference, our team spoke with students about international clinical internships, exposure to different healthcare systems, and the role that cultural understanding plays in preparing for a career in healthcare.

IMA also hosted a workshop titled “Ethics, Culture, and Care: Responsible Approaches to International Clinical Internships,” which focused on the responsibilities of participating in healthcare experiences abroad. We discussed ethical clinical engagement, cultural awareness, working alongside local healthcare professionals, and how international programs can support learning while respecting host communities.

IMA alumni joined us for the presentation and shared their firsthand experiences in our programs. Their perspectives helped illustrate how clinical observation, cultural immersion, and learning within unfamiliar healthcare environments can shape a student’s understanding of patient care and global health.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the UC Davis Pre-Health Conference student organizers for hosting another successful event, as well as to our alumni representatives and everyone who visited our booth or attended our workshop. We continue to value the opportunity to engage with students and educators who share our commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

For students interested in exploring international clinical learning opportunities, applications are now open for IMA’s Winter, Spring, and Summer 2027 programs in Kenya and Peru.

🌍 Explore our programs and apply through the link in our bio or visit medicalaid.org/get-started/

10/15/2026

“I had a unique experience in Kenya that I believe was very different from the usual intern with IMA. My background is critical care nursing, with plans to pursue a career in nurse anesthesia. I worked through the COVID-19 pandemic while my fellow interns were deciding what college to attend. My experience in Kenya was really interesting due to my comfortability in the hospital setting.

I was attached to the anesthesia teams in the surgical theatre, learning how each anesthesia provider approached their cases. After a few days, I was able to interact with staff on a first-name basis and compare the differences between the United States and Kenya through the lens of the operating room.

In terms of the logistical and outside-the-hospital experience as an intern, I thought IMA ran a very curated, professional, and educational experience. Beyond theatre, I was able to participate in health clinics in local schools due to the relationship IMA fosters with the local community. I applied to IMA because of my past global experience with Johns Hopkins and Nursing Heart Inc., which foster relationships with communities in Guatemala that otherwise do not have access to healthcare. I witnessed how genuine, long-lasting relationships create community initiatives to reach goals identified by the communities themselves. This is not a short-lived intervention, but rather a relationship between communities, empowered by the people who live there. As an intern and medical professional, I was a catalyst used to help continue this relationship. I believe this model is one of the best ways to develop community engagement with current healthcare and can even be applied to patient care at the bedside. I try to meet patients where they are, establish rapport early to identify what they need beyond medical treatment, and foster a relationship based on mutual trust rather than short-term intervention.

Thank you to all the Program Staff and Program Mentors! You all are amazing at personable interaction and demonstrate your dedication to your job every day. Every interaction was so friendly and welcoming, everyone truly did their best, and you can see it every day. Thank you also for helping tailor my experience to my unique situation of already being a nurse. Being recognized by the government to practice in the hospital was above and beyond, and helping me get additional hours in the surgical theatre was exactly what I needed.”

— 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐤, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟶

10/13/2026

“My experience was incredible; to say I'm grateful is an understatement. Beginning with my clinical experience, my Clinical Mentors were very kind, attentive, and educational. The clinical experience working with them was outstanding. I also appreciated the team in the Maternity Department so much. Their leadership and teaching were great. From working with them at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and at Community Medical Clinics, I found them to be an incredible resource.

With the IMA Program, I also have a deep appreciation for the staff. The Community Outreach Coordinator was deeply involved in the community integration and Outreach Activities for us. He helped me coordinate care for a student during one of the Women's Health Education Sessions. The tour of the Informal Settlement was a huge learning experience during my time there. In the Program Residence, the House Matron was a joy every single day. Her positivity and loving personality helped me feel welcomed and at home right away.

Additionally, the Program Mentors were incredible advisors and always diligent to resolve any issues we had. They were an amazing resource and not only listened to our feedback but also found ways to implement change. They encouraged us to use the resources available to voice our opinions. The lectures, Clinical Debriefs, and Skills Labs were all beneficial in my learning and understanding of the community. The Program Residence always felt very safe to the Cultural Treks, Safaris, and me, and Community Outreach Activities felt like I was able to experience Kenyan Culture outside of just healthcare. Without IMA's resources, my experience would not have been the same.”

— 𝐃𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 2026

10/12/2026

“My International Medical Aid internship in Mombasa, Kenya, was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had during high school. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by the IMA staff, making it easier to adjust to a new environment. The program balanced structured learning with opportunities to experience the local community, allowing me to grow personally and academically.

My Clinical Mentor made the hospital experience especially meaningful. He was patient and generous with his time, teaching us about patients and helping us understand the reasoning behind diagnoses and treatments. He encouraged our curiosity and treated us as students eager to learn. His guidance made me more comfortable in the hospital and deepened my understanding of medicine. The Program Mentors and staff also made a huge difference. They ensured everyone felt comfortable, included, and supported. Whether we had questions or needed help adjusting to something unfamiliar, they were always approachable and willing to help.

The hospital experience was eye-opening. Observing healthcare in a setting with fewer resources than I was accustomed to challenged my understanding of quality medical care. I watched healthcare professionals find creative ways to care for patients despite limited supplies and equipment. This made me reflect on healthcare accessibility and the need for affordable, practical solutions in underserved communities.

Outside the hospital, I loved experiencing Kenyan culture, especially the food. Chapati quickly became one of my favorite things to eat, and sharing meals was a memorable way to connect with the culture.

Overall, my IMA experience gave me much more than clinical exposure. It taught me to be adaptable, open-minded, and willing to learn from others. I left Mombasa with a deeper understanding of global healthcare and a stronger desire to make healthcare more accessible through my future career.”

— 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐲, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘛𝘌𝘔 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺 2027

10/09/2026

“I felt welcomed from the beginning, especially because this was my first time traveling alone and I did not know anyone in the program. The Program Mentors took great care of me, and I was supported even before the trip to make sure I had everything I needed. I always felt safe because of the precautions IMA took, and I felt comfortable throughout my stay. I really enjoyed having a balance of planned activities and free time. Being able to explore with my friends made me feel more independent while still having the support of the Program Mentors.

I also loved the Community Outreach Activities, especially visiting an orphanage and teaching the children about personal hygiene and Menstrual Health. These experiences gave me the opportunity to connect with the community outside of the hospital and made my time in Kenya even more meaningful.

The hospital was definitely a culture shock, but it became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. I was able to shadow doctors in Pediatrics, Cardiology, the Emergency Department, Internal Medicine, Maternity, and the Newborn Unit, which gave me a glimpse into my future in medicine. Seeing sick children in the Pediatric ward was difficult, but it helped me grow and made me even more interested in becoming a doctor.

I also met so many kind people who shared my interests and made the experience even better. Overall, I am very grateful for this experience and for everyone at IMA who made me feel supported, safe, and excited to learn.”

— 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐊𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐚, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦
𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 2027

10/07/2026

The IMA experience extends beyond the clinical setting. Our internships abroad provide students with opportunities to engage with local communities, learn about cultural traditions, and better understand the social and cultural context in which healthcare is delivered.

These experiences are an important part of developing a broader understanding of global health. Language, traditions, values, history, and community can all influence how healthcare is understood, accessed, and experienced. Engaging with these aspects alongside clinical rotations provides valuable context for interns’ experiences within hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments.

Throughout their time with IMA, interns participate in cultural and educational experiences designed to encourage meaningful engagement with their host communities. Language classes introduce interns to commonly used words and phrases, while visits to cultural and historical sites provide greater insight into the history, traditions, and everyday life of the communities in which they are living and learning.

Whether experiencing the culture and traditions of Peru, exploring local life in Kenya, learning a new language, or engaging with communities across IMA’s international program destinations, these experiences complement clinical exposure and encourage interns to approach unfamiliar environments with curiosity, openness, cultural humility, and respect.

For many interns, participating in an IMA program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine clinical exposure, cultural immersion, and meaningful engagement with communities abroad.

At International Medical Aid, we believe global health education extends beyond clinical shadowing. By combining clinical exposure, cultural immersion, and community engagement, IMA programs help interns develop a more comprehensive understanding of global health and the diverse communities they encounter.

10/03/2026

"This program far exceeded my expectations in the food, hospitality, organization, accommodations, tours, and cultural enrichment. I felt constantly supported by the Program Mentors and learned so much more about Kenya than I ever would have if I had just visited on my own. I truly felt welcomed and was able to call Kenya my home for an entire month, which was the biggest blessing of my life. Everyone was incredibly friendly and eager to help or support you.⁣⁣⁣
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The other interns were so social, kind, and friendly as well, and we all developed such close relationships with each other and unforgettable memories. You were never made to feel silly by anyone for learning the local customs or culture, and instead were always encouraged by locals and interns to get out of your comfort zone in the best ways. The Community Outreach Activities were so much fun, getting to meet and connect with the local kids and see their day-to-day life was priceless. Despite the obvious things that are hard to see in the hospital, my time in Kenya was one of the best months of my life, and I miss it constantly. I hope to be back again one day very soon."
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— 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦⁣⁣⁣
𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼⁣⁣ ⁣
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