From Two Weeks to a Lifetime of Impact: An Unforgettable Medical Internship Experience in Kenya

Marguerite Beaudoin
University of Ottawa

It’s hard to describe my experience in Kenya as anything but amazing. I spent two short weeks in Mombasa, shadowing physicians and learning about the Kenyan culture and healthcare system, and let me tell you, I would have stayed longer. I truly did not know it was possible to learn so much in such a short time, but thanks to the physicians and nurses at Coast General Hospital, I learned and saw things I will never forget. I will carry and cherish the knowledge and experience I gained throughout my career as a physician, whether it be in Canada or abroad. From the moment I arrived in Kenya to the moment I was dropped off at the airport, IMA made me feel welcomed and safe. The mentors and the staff were always so supportive and kind, always going out of their way to ensure the safety and comfort of the interns. They truly made my journey in Kenya even more memorable. I will be forever grateful for this experience. Asante sana, IMA.

Perú !
@criioss
Perú !
Stepping out of my comfort zone was an understatement. My time spent in Kenya has changed me in ways I find hard to explain. I found myself immersed in a…
@gavinstarck
Stepping out of my comfort zone was an understatement. My time spent in Kenya has changed me in ways I find hard to explain. I found myself immersed in a…
jambo jambo! 🇰🇪
@laurenevossen
jambo jambo! 🇰🇪
I am so grateful to have spent some time in Mombasa, Asante Kenya! :)
@tchallasima
I am so grateful to have spent some time in Mombasa, Asante Kenya! :)
Interning with @internationalmedicalaid in their Pre-Med program has been a life changing experience. These are just small clips from a night shift I worked in the Maternity ward with @emilie.muste…
@ijeoma.alimole
Interning with @internationalmedicalaid in their Pre-Med program has been a life changing experience. These are just small clips from a night shift I worked in the Maternity ward with @emilie.muste…
Mental health wasn’t always a language I knew how to speak. Back in high school, we carried heavy things in silence— stress from home, school, friendships— with no real words…
@rosemina._
Mental health wasn’t always a language I knew how to speak. Back in high school, we carried heavy things in silence— stress from home, school, friendships— with no real words…
Two weeks interning with @internationalmedicalaid at @cgtrhmsa in Mombasa Kenya has been a life changing experience. The two weeks I spent in the Obstetrics/Gynaecology and Paediatrics ward truly helped me…
@ijeoma.alimole
Two weeks interning with @internationalmedicalaid at @cgtrhmsa in Mombasa Kenya has been a life changing experience. The two weeks I spent in the Obstetrics/Gynaecology and Paediatrics ward truly helped me…
jambo kenya 🇰🇪
@amanda_chen21
jambo kenya 🇰🇪
First week on the equator 🌍
@gavinstarck
First week on the equator 🌍
Forever thankful for the 2 weeks I spent in the surgery, emergency and maternity department at @cgtrhmsa - I’d travel across the world for these people any day🧡
@rachelkonto
Forever thankful for the 2 weeks I spent in the surgery, emergency and maternity department at @cgtrhmsa - I’d travel across the world for these people any day🧡
someone pinch me right now🌟🐘
@emmablondi7
someone pinch me right now🌟🐘
Week one with @internationalmedicalaid. So amazing!
@jadagrace918
Week one with @internationalmedicalaid. So amazing!
quick break
@noravansweden
quick break
This April, I was fortunate enough to spend a few weeks in Mombasa, Kenya, on a pre-physician assistant internship. Through shadowing healthcare professionals, I witnessed firsthand the stark differences in…
@madisonplattner
This April, I was fortunate enough to spend a few weeks in Mombasa, Kenya, on a pre-physician assistant internship. Through shadowing healthcare professionals, I witnessed firsthand the stark differences in…
Not all classrooms have four walls. Some come with stethoscopes, dirt roads, and stories that stay with you forever 💉🌍 This World Immunization week, take your learning where it matters…
@goabroadcom
Not all classrooms have four walls. Some come with stethoscopes, dirt roads, and stories that stay with you forever 💉🌍 This World Immunization week, take your learning where it matters…

Hear What Other Alumni Have to Say About Us on the individual testimonials

Overall, my experience with IMA was life changing and more meaningful than I could ever hope to put into words. The meaning I derived from both the clinical and extracurricular activities cannot be overstated.…
Nathan Homsey
University of Delaware
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Participating in the IMA pre-medical internship has been a life changing experience for me. The program mentors, resident chef, and local support staff were always helpful and accommodated any need that I had. Working…
Asia Williams
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My experience with International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya, was deeply meaningful and transformative. From the moment I arrived, the in-country support team made me feel grounded and safe. Margaret, my program mentor, was…
Tyra Dennis
North Carolina A&T State University
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