About International Medical Aid (IMA)

International Medical Aid (IMA) is a nonprofit organization that connects aspiring healthcare professionals with immersive, ethical global health internships in underserved regions. Our goal is to bridge gaps in healthcare access while equipping the next generation of clinicians with meaningful hands-on experience and cultural insight.

IMA was founded with a commitment to improving healthcare in under-resourced communities through collaborative clinical partnerships, public health education, and capacity building. Since 2012, we have worked alongside local providers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, offering support through structured internship programs that benefit both communities and interns.

Our global healthcare initiatives are designed to expand access to care while training students in settings that challenge, inspire, and prepare them for future careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, mental health, and allied health fields.

IMA’s healthcare internships are built around experiential learning. Each placement is guided by experienced physician mentors and structured to include infection control training, ethical orientation, and direct patient care opportunities. From primary care to surgery, our interns are exposed to real clinical settings in global hospitals and community clinics.

Students can expect not only clinical immersion but also cultural integration. Our East Africa, South America, and Caribbean adventure programs allow participants to connect with the countries they serve beyond the hospital walls. IMA’s programs emphasize respect for local communities and long-term partnerships rather than short-term intervention.

IMA provides comprehensive safety and security measures, including trained local staff, 24/7 support, secure housing, and vetted travel partners. All interns are covered by medical travel insurance, and safety protocols are updated regularly to match regional conditions.

In addition to internships, IMA offers expert medical school admissions consulting, including one-on-one support for personal statements, interview preparation, and school selection. Alumni often use their internship experience to strengthen their applications and obtain letters of recommendation from supervising physicians.

IMA’s programs are open to a wide range of participants:

Whether seeking a competitive edge for your application or meaningful clinical exposure in underserved areas, our programs are designed to meet your goals.

We believe that healthcare internships should benefit both the student and the community. Our model is built on mutual respect, sustainability, and long-term impact.

We do not offer short-term or superficial volunteering. Our programs are integrated with local healthcare systems, and every placement is designed to support—not disrupt—existing care structures. We provide continuity through full-time staff, long-standing partnerships, and training programs for local providers.

Our interns aren’t left to observe from a distance. Licensed physicians mentor them, and they are included in daily rounds and exposed to procedures, diagnostics, and treatment protocols under careful supervision. This model provides deep educational value while maintaining patient safety and ethical standards.

Our adventure programs allow interns to experience the landscapes and cultures where they serve—safaris in Kenya, hikes to Machu Picchu, and more. These moments of cultural connection are an important part of the IMA experience and give context to the healthcare challenges in each country.

Interested in joining? Apply today and take the next step toward your future in global healthcare. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you from your first inquiry to your final day in-country—and beyond.