Medical schools seek applicants who demonstrate initiative, resilience, and a genuine commitment to healthcare. One of the strongest ways to show this is through direct patient care experience and meaningful clinical exposure, especially in challenging environments.
International Medical Aid (IMA) internships allow pre-medical students to shadow physicians and other healthcare professionals in under-resourced settings. Whether you're observing in an emergency room in Kenya or participating in community health clinics in Peru, you're not just learning about medicine—you’re living it.
Build the Competencies Admissions Committees Value
Interning with IMA provides more than just observation hours. You'll develop cross-cultural communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence—essential for medical school success and future clinical practice. Many IMA alumni report using their internship experience as the foundation for personal statements, secondary essays, and medical school interviews.
Show Commitment to Global Health and Service
Medical schools increasingly focus on applicants with a strong sense of service and an understanding of global health disparities. Participating in an IMA internship allows you to demonstrate both. It shows that you’ve made the effort to understand how medicine is practiced globally—and that you’re committed to making a difference.
For more information about how IMA internships support medical school admissions, visit our Pre-Medicine Internship Page.