Global Research Program Internship

Job Description

About company

The International Health Alliance (IHA) is an organization that offers unique internships designed to cultivate a deep-seated passion for healthcare and humanitarian service. IHA operates on the belief that healthcare should be an accessible right for everyone, including individuals in the most impoverished areas of the world. Through its programs, IHA provides opportunities for interns to help people globally who are in critical need of medical care, while also enhancing their qualifications for graduate school admissions and career applications.

Job description, detailed

This is a detailed description of the Global Research Program internship offered by the International Health Alliance (IHA).

Internship Focus: The program is a unique opportunity for students to combine data collection, cultural immersion, and real-world healthcare practice. Interns will work alongside medical professionals, learn to design research tools, and contribute to improving access to healthcare in low-resource communities.

Compensation and Costs: This internship is unpaid. Participants are responsible for costs associated with the international travel portion, which is a required component of the internship.

Program Duration: The entire program spans 10 weeks.

Program Structure:
• 9 Weeks Online Training: This structured curriculum involves 2-hour live and recorded online sessions each week. Interns will be assigned a dedicated doctor for personalized guidance during this remote learning experience.
• Weeks 1-5: Preparation for the data collection project in the Dominican Republic.
• Weeks 6-10: Remote work to conclude the internship after the in-person data collection efforts are complete.
• 1 Week in the Dominican Republic (On the Ground): This is a transformative in-person experience. Training is provided on arrival day, followed by a week of hands-on medical experiences and live data collection. The in-person week occurs during Week 5 of the overall program.

On The Ground Activities (Dominican Republic):
• Mobile Clinics: Four days are dedicated to participating in mobile clinics. Interns will collect data for their research projects while also directly helping individuals in critical need of medical care. This involves applying training in challenging environments and contributing to addressing unmet medical needs, potentially assisting dozens or hundreds of people who would otherwise not afford medical care.
• Hospital Visit: On the fifth day, interns will visit a local hospital to gain insights into medical differences and hospital practices in the Dominican Republic. This includes the opportunity to shadow top doctors in the country.
• Electives: Interns can choose from a variety of added electives, which may include activities like suturing or cultural dance classes. Elective options are subject to travel dates and doctor availability.
• Free Day: The sixth day is a free day for cultural immersion and exploration of the country, guided by a travel agent.
• Return Journey: The week concludes with the return journey home on the seventh day.

Key Benefits of the Program:
• Remote Training Support: Structured online curriculum with live and recorded sessions, and personalized doctor guidance.
• Hands-On Experience: Application of skills in mobile clinics, addressing unmet medical needs, and shadowing top doctors. Direct experience in helping people in dire need.
• Cultural Immersion: Exploration of the vibrant Dominican Republic.
• Professional Benefits: Receipt of letters of recommendation, alumni benefits, social media recognition, networking opportunities, and access to future professional development and educational courses.
• Unique Opportunity: Personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on communities.

Expected Outcomes (By the end of the program, participants will have):
• Designed and executed a data collection project.
• Gained real-world clinical experience.
• Improved ability to analyze and present data.
• Built skills to enhance healthcare in low-resource settings.

Upcoming Program Travel Dates (for the 1-week in-person component):
• December 14-21, 2025
• March 15-22, 2026
• March 22-29, 2026
• May 24-31, 2026
• June 14-21, 2026
• June 28 – July 5, 2026
• July 12-19, 2026
• July 19-26, 2026
• July 26 – August 2, 2026
• August 2-9, 2026

The remote training portion of the internship begins 7 weeks prior to the chosen travel date. Accepted applicants can choose an available cohort.

Requirements:
• No previous medical experience is necessary; all required training will be provided, and interns will be supervised by licensed doctors.
• Ability to travel out of the United States (requires a Passport or Visa).
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must pass a criminal background check.