Post-Bacc Pre-Med Programs: The Complete Guide (2026)
15 minutes
Written by
International Medical AID
on June 7, 2026
ABOUT US

International Medical Aid

Co-Founder
Upon submitting our final thesis during our inaugural health campaign in Ecuador, IMA was formally launched in the summer of 2012. From these humble roots, IMA now has operations across three continents and in several countries including Haiti, Ecuador, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. To date, the important work of each overseas hospital volunteer has effected meaningful change in the lives of thousands of individuals around the world.
Building upon International Medical Aid’s core values of integrity, mutual respect and commitment, I am excited to announce the launch of IMA Electives and IMA Safaris.
These new programs provide every overseas hospital volunteer a safe and rewarding opportunity to gain pre-health experience in a hospital or public health setting in one of our target countries around the world, while witnessing the culture and natural beauty of these destinations. Having myself volunteered with other placement groups, I found these companies to be profit-driven organizations with unethical labor practices and little concern for their volunteers or communities.
Seeking to raise this standard and introduce a not-for-profit model for the “ elective business,” I have assembled the best team in the industry with nearly 40 years of combined experience. Together, we offer innovative programs for pre-med volunteering, pre-dentistry experience, nursing, mental health and other related fields. Staying true to our alma mater’s philosophy of “business with humanity in mind,” proceeds from IMA Electives and IMA Safaris are used to sustain and further develop International Medical Aid’s humanitarian initiatives in South America, East Africa and the Caribbean. As we strive to lead the industry, we work to support the communities in which we operate by providing generous salaries to our staff, contracting local vendors, sourcing local products whenever possible and investing in targeted public health and education programs.
Whether you are a doctor, nurse or paramedic, a medical student or seeking pre-health experience, IMA has opportunities for you to advance your clinical skills and education, while exploring a new and exciting corner of the world. Along the way, you will have the guidance and experience of my stellar team behind you.
Phares Odhiambo
Program Director, East Africa & Global Director of Learning and Development
Christabel Njeru
Director of Program Mentorship and Evaluations
Benson Aurah
Senior Program Coordinator for Community Outreach and Humanitarian Initiatives
Margaret Kagwanja
Senior Programme Mentor and Digital Content Manager
Hildah Kibagendi
Program Mentor
Mitchel Wanderi
Program Mentor
Manuela Venero
Program Director
Cintya Villena
Senior Program Mentor
Dr. Fabrizio Wiesse
Head Physician Mentor

Addressing disparities in access to healthcare for vulnerable populations worldwide by providing innovative medical programs.

IMA is committed to creating self-sustaining, not-for-profit medical organizations that benefit underserved populations across various continents.

iMA distinguishes itself from profit-driven organizations by emphasizing ethical practices, focusing on the well-being of volunteers and communities served.

IMA upholds values of integrity, mutual respect, and commitment in all operations, reflecting its dedication to ethical and effective healthcare delivery.
The mission of International Medical Aid is to provide safe and rewarding opportunities for healthcare volunteers and professionals to gain pre-health experience while contributing to underserved communities. By building on a philosophy of “business with humanity in mind,” IMA supports global health initiatives, sustains long-term humanitarian projects, and fosters the development of healthcare services in regions such as South America, East Africa, and the Caribbean.
IMA aims to set a new standard in the elective business by prioritizing the communities served, sourcing local products, and supporting public health education programs. The organization’s overarching goal is to advance clinical skills, education, and global healthcare access through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
15 minutes
Written by
International Medical AID
on June 7, 2026
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