When hundreds of aspiring healthcare professionals gathered at UC Davis on October 17, the conversation wasn’t just about getting into medical school—it was about how to do global health work the right way. International Medical Aid (IMA) used the 2026 UC Davis Pre-Health Conference as a platform to tackle a question many students overlook: what does responsible clinical learning abroad actually look like?
At the organization’s booth on Hutchison Field, IMA representatives engaged students on everything from their career ambitions to their prior experiences and the lingering questions they want resolved before applying to healthcare programs overseas. The discussions covered physician shadowing in teaching hospitals, destination selection, program pricing, and planning for the Winter, Spring, and Summer 2027 terms.
IMA participated in the Pre-Health Fair and presented a workshop on cultural awareness, appropriate student roles and responsible clinical learning abroad.
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We believe students deserve clear information before committing to an international healthcare experience.”— Homayon Ghassemi, Co-Founder, International Medical AidWASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The organization’s workshop, titled “Ethics, Culture, and Care: Responsible Approaches to International Clinical Internships,” held at TLC 1010, shifted the focus from travel destinations to the fundamentals of ethical practice. Rather than pitching locations, the session explored the limits of a student’s clinical role, safeguarding patient privacy, deferring to local healthcare professionals, and honoring the communities that host visiting learners. Alumni voices brought real-world perspective to these discussions.
For those pursuing medicine, IMA’s pre-med internships abroad combine physician shadowing, departmental rotations, structured educational sessions, and guided learning within host medical environments. The program model emphasizes observation, mentorship, community outreach, and cultural education—designed strictly for learning, never for independent medical practice. Students were urged to inquire about supervision structures, performance expectations, and their exact responsibilities before selecting a program.
Practical matters were also front and center. The Program Dates and Fees page offers up-to-date destination listings, session durations, and pricing for the 2027 cycle. For those looking beyond the internship itself, IMA provides medical school admissions consulting to guide students through the next phase of their academic journey.
A standout announcement came with a time-sensitive opportunity: students who registered with IMA at the conference can apply by November 1, 2026, for fully funded scholarships valued at up to $12,000—airfare included—toward an eligible Winter, Spring, or Summer 2027 program. To qualify, applicants must have registered with IMA during the event, submit their application before the deadline, complete the admissions process, and secure acceptance into an eligible program. Those already admitted or enrolled do not qualify for this conference-specific offer, and awards remain contingent on funding availability.
The motivation behind IMA’s presence at UC Davis was clear: students deserve transparent, honest information before making commitments to international healthcare experiences. The conference allowed for direct, face-to-face dialogue, giving students the chance to ask pointed questions and learn why clinical education must honor the expertise of local medical professionals. IMA expressed gratitude to the conference organizers, the students and advisers who stopped by, and everyone who participated in the workshop.
Students who didn’t make it to UC Davis can still explore IMA’s internship programs, review current dates and fees, and reach out to the admissions team regarding eligibility, preparation, and the application process.
About International Medical Aid Foundation
International Medical Aid Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to global health education and international internship opportunities. Its programs feature supervised clinical learning and educational activities designed to deepen participants’ understanding of healthcare within the communities they visit. The organization also offers admissions advising for medical and physician assistant school applicants.
Mark Jones
International Medical Aid Foundation
+1 470-670-7691
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Why it matters: As more students seek global health experience, the emphasis on ethical preparation and defined clinical boundaries becomes critical—not just for their education, but for the safety and dignity of the communities they hope to serve. IMA’s scholarship push also signals a growing effort to make international training accessible to a wider range of aspiring healthcare professionals.
