Lessons in Compassion and Clinical Judgment from My Pre-PA Internship

Ija Mumford
Howard University

My experience in Kenya with International Medical Aid was incredible. The in-country support was excellent, and I always felt safe thanks to clear guidance and protocols. Accommodations were comfortable, and the food was a wonderful introduction to Kenyan cuisine. The clinical experience was invaluable, I got to shadow PAs and physicians, learning how they provide compassionate care even with limited resources. My mentors Mitchel, Margaret, Benson, and Hilda were especially amazing; they guided me, answered questions, and made the experience meaningful and inspiring. Overall, this program deepened my understanding of healthcare, strengthened my communication and cultural awareness, and reinforced my commitment to becoming a healthcare provider. It was a truly memorable and transformative experience.

Read Ija's In-Depth Internship Reflection

Download Ija Mumford’s comprehensive reflection paper detailing their learning objectives, clinical observations, ethical insights, and takeaways from their IMA program—an excellent resource for students, parents, and advisors evaluating the depth of our internships.

Download [PDF]
already planning my next trip 🇰🇪🤍
@kaylasmedjourney
already planning my next trip 🇰🇪🤍
This past week, I had the opportunity to deliver the care packages I put together to patients and families at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. I delivered…
@care_in_motion_
This past week, I had the opportunity to deliver the care packages I put together to patients and families at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. I delivered…
Ili bamba 🇰🇪🤍 For two weeks, I had the opportunity to learn alongside healthcare professionals, experience different hospital departments, participate in community health clinics, and immerse myself in Kenyan culture.…
@_mai.hall
Ili bamba 🇰🇪🤍 For two weeks, I had the opportunity to learn alongside healthcare professionals, experience different hospital departments, participate in community health clinics, and immerse myself in Kenyan culture.…
Knowledge is power and power is from knowledge. Asante sana Kenya 🇰🇪 For the last month, I have been able to gain not only medical experience, but also be immersed…
@juless2400
Knowledge is power and power is from knowledge. Asante sana Kenya 🇰🇪 For the last month, I have been able to gain not only medical experience, but also be immersed…
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an incredible experience! Kwaheri Kenya🇰🇪♥️
@madisonsentz
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an incredible experience! Kwaheri Kenya🇰🇪♥️
Inca-redible 🩺
@maddiesine.08
Inca-redible 🩺
looking back on this once in a lifetime experience with @internationalmedicalaid i am filled with so much emotion. truly inspired by the healthcare professionals here and the love and dedication…
@nae.colemann
looking back on this once in a lifetime experience with @internationalmedicalaid i am filled with so much emotion. truly inspired by the healthcare professionals here and the love and dedication…
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an experience of a lifetime Asante sana Kenya!💙🇰🇪
@emily_curtiz
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an experience of a lifetime Asante sana Kenya!💙🇰🇪
Hakuna matata in Maasai 🇰🇪❤️🦁 feeling like the luckiest lady in the world
@dylanrclarkk
Hakuna matata in Maasai 🇰🇪❤️🦁 feeling like the luckiest lady in the world
Asante sana, Mombasa 🇰🇪
@berlyn_nickerson
Asante sana, Mombasa 🇰🇪
forever grateful for this opportunity. asante sana kenya 🇰🇪
@sophie_hazard09
forever grateful for this opportunity. asante sana kenya 🇰🇪
Thank you, Mombasa 🌴🌊🇰🇪 Kwaheri Kenya
@lrogers.17
Thank you, Mombasa 🌴🌊🇰🇪 Kwaheri Kenya
Grateful beyond belief for this adventure which in the end was an opportunity for personal growth and enlightenment in an unfamiliar setting, it was indubitably empowering. Thank you IMA mentors…
@madeoblechich
Grateful beyond belief for this adventure which in the end was an opportunity for personal growth and enlightenment in an unfamiliar setting, it was indubitably empowering. Thank you IMA mentors…
I'm excited to share that I have completed my International Medical Aid personal story videos following an unforgettable experience serving communities in Peru. This opportunity strengthened my understanding of global…
@thisisnailah
I'm excited to share that I have completed my International Medical Aid personal story videos following an unforgettable experience serving communities in Peru. This opportunity strengthened my understanding of global…
It’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Thank you, Kenya, for welcoming me, challenging me, teaching me, and giving me memories I will carry…
@olivia_bowman06
It’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Thank you, Kenya, for welcoming me, challenging me, teaching me, and giving me memories I will carry…
Love ya forever Kenya
@claireschermerhorn
Love ya forever Kenya

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

This program was a great experience in exploring global health differences and disparities, gaining shadowing experience, and immersing myself in a different culture. The mentors were very welcoming and supportive, even checking in on…
Taylor Breiby
Boston University
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My time in Kenya was incredibly eye-opening and worthwhile. The staff was excellent and very helpful. The residence was safe and comfortable. The food provided offered a nice variety and was always plentiful and…
KH
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I had an excellent experience with IMA. The staff all went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and safety. The experience was so incredibly meaningful and IMAs accommodations helped me feel less overwhelmed…
Kyle Taylor
University of Pennsylvania
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