Global Research Program Internship

Job Description

The International Health Alliance (IHA) offers unique internships designed not just for academic enhancement but for cultivating a deep-seated passion for healthcare and humanitarian service. We firmly believe that healthcare should be an accessible right for everyone, even in the most impoverished areas of the world. Our interns gain an exceptional opportunity to not only stand out for graduate school admissions and career applications but, more importantly, to directly help people around the world who are in critical need of medical care.

Global Research Program

Our Global Research Program is an unparalleled opportunity for students to combine data collection, cultural immersion, and real-world healthcare practice. Over ten weeks, participants will work alongside medical professionals, learn to design research tools, and contribute significantly to improving access to healthcare in low-resource communities.

Please note: This internship is unpaid and has costs associated with the international travel portion of the internship, which is a required component.

Program Duration: 10 Weeks

Program Overview

• 9 Weeks Online Training: Dive into a structured curriculum delivered through weekly 2-hour live and recorded online sessions. You will be assigned a dedicated doctor for personalized guidance, ensuring a supportive and enriching remote learning experience. Weeks 1-5 will meticulously prepare you for your data collection project in the Dominican Republic.
• 1 Week In-Person in the Dominican Republic: Embark on a transformative journey during Week 5. Your in-person experience begins with comprehensive training on arrival day, setting the stage for a week of hands-on medical experiences and live data collection. Weeks 6-10 are remote and conclude the internship after your data collection efforts are complete.

On The Ground Experience in the Dominican Republic

• Mobile Clinics (4 Days): Spend four days actively participating in mobile clinics, collecting crucial data for your research project while simultaneously providing aid to those in critical need. Apply your training in challenging environments, making a tangible contribution to addressing unmet medical needs. You will have the opportunity to help dozens, possibly even hundreds, of people receive medical care they desperately need and could not otherwise afford.
• Hospital Visit (1 Day): Gain valuable insights into medical differences and hospital practices in the Dominican Republic by visiting a local hospital. Experience firsthand by shadowing some of the top doctors in the country.
• Ability to Choose Electives: Enhance your experience by choosing from a variety of added electives during your internship, ranging from practical skills like suturing to cultural activities like dance classes. Electives vary based on travel dates and doctor availability.
• Free Day (1 Day): Strike a perfect balance between professional development and cultural immersion with a designated free day. Explore and experience the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic under the guidance of a travel agent.
• Return Journey (1 Day): Conclude your impactful week with the return journey home on the seventh day.

Why Choose Our Program?

• Remote Training Support: Benefit from a structured online curriculum with both live and recorded sessions.
• Hands-On Experience: Apply your skills directly in mobile clinics, addressing unmet medical needs and shadowing leading doctors. Experience what it truly means to help people in dire need of medical assistance.
• Cultural Immersion: Explore the vibrant Dominican Republic with dedicated time for cultural exploration.
• Professional Benefits: Receive valuable letters of recommendation, access alumni benefits, gain social media recognition, expand your professional network, and access future professional development and educational courses.
• Unique Opportunity: Experience profound personal and professional growth while making a significant positive impact on global communities.

What You Will Achieve

By the end of this comprehensive program, you will have:

• Designed and executed a data collection project from conception to completion.
• Gained invaluable real-world clinical experience in a low-resource setting.
• Improved your ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex data.
• Built essential skills to enhance healthcare access and quality in underserved communities.

Upcoming Program Travel Dates (2026)

If accepted, you can choose which available cohort you want to join:

• May 24-31
• June 14-21
• June 28- July 5
• July 12-19
• July 19-26
• July 26- August 2
• August 2-9

The remote training portion of the internship will commence 7 weeks prior to your chosen program travel dates. If accepted, you may select any of the above program dates, subject to availability.

Requirements

No previous medical experience is necessary. We provide all essential training, and you will operate under the direct supervision of licensed doctors.

• Ability to travel out of the United States (valid Passport or Visa required).
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot in this unique program that promises a journey of profound learning, rich cultural exchange, and meaningful contribution. Apply today and be part of a life-changing experience in the beautiful Dominican Republic!