Meet Justin Kim: Elective Africa’s New U.S. Student Representative

Meet Justin Kim: Elective Africa’s New U.S. Student Representative

At Elective Africa, we believe that international healthcare internships are more than hospital rotations, they are opportunities to broaden perspectives, deepen cultural understanding and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. To help share this vision with more students across the United States, we are excited to welcome Justin Kim as our new U.S. Student Representative.

Justin is a pre-medical student at Princeton University with a remarkable track record of commitment to global health and equitable medical care. His interests span across neuroscience, public health and healthcare disparities, all with a central focus on improving outcomes for underserved populations.

Before joining Elective Africa, Justin gained meaningful global experience in Madagascar, where he worked alongside local health professionals to understand community-based care and cross-cultural clinical challenges. These early experiences sparked his determination to bridge the gap between medical research and practical solutions in global healthcare settings.

His Elective Africa Journey

In the summer of 2025, Justin traveled to Mombasa, Kenya, to join Elective Africa’s pre-health internship program. He spent eight weeks at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he shadowed doctors across different departments.

For two weeks, he trained under the neurosurgery department, observing complex cases and the intricacies of brain and spine care. The remaining weeks were spent in the emergency department, where he was exposed to the fast-paced environment of patient triage, emergency surgeries and teamwork under pressure. These hospital experiences gave Justin a deeper appreciation for how healthcare providers adapt to challenges such as limited resources while still delivering critical care to patients.

Community Engagement Beyond the Hospital

Elective Africa emphasizes not only hospital-based learning but also community service and outreach, and Justin was an active participant in these opportunities. He joined fellow interns in conducting a school health session, where they spoke with students about important topics like dental health, menstrual and reproductive health, and mental well-being. These sessions offered valuable insights into how health education can empower communities, especially young people.

Justin also joined orphanage visits, spending time with children, sharing stories and supporting local initiatives. For him, these experiences reinforced the idea that healthcare extends beyond hospitals and it is about community connection, empathy and service.

An Unforgettable Experience

Reflecting on his time in Mombasa, Justin described it as “an unforgettable blend of medicine and culture.”

“This was a great experience where I was able to learn about global health and how medical systems work in different countries. From learning about surgeries to getting accustomed to triage in the hospital, I was able to gain such great exposure in the field. All the staff and hospital personnel were great and helpful, truly helping me get accustomed to the healthcare system in Mombasa, Kenya.

Secondly, the city and local experiences were also fantastic. From the city tour and learning about local life, to seeing and feeding animals at Haller Park, it has been such a fantastic experience. I cannot emphasize how special this experience was and I could not recommend this enough to others.”

Looking Ahead: Justin’s Role as a U.S. Student Representative

As part of the Elective Africa Student Ambassador Program, Justin will now serve as a bridge between U.S. students and global health opportunities with Elective Africa. His role will include:

• Engaging with prospective interns to share his first-hand experiences of hospital rotations and life in Kenya.

• Providing guidance to students interested in medical, pre-medical, and global health internships abroad.

• Raising awareness about the importance of cross-cultural healthcare experiences and the impact they have on shaping compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.

With his strong academic foundation, global health experience and genuine passion for service, Justin is perfectly placed to inspire other students to step beyond the classroom and into international healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Justin’s story is a reminder of what makes Elective Africa programs transformative, the ability to learn in diverse settings, connect with communities and grow both personally and professionally. By taking on this new role, he will help ensure that more students across the U.S. can access these unique experiences and carry forward the mission of advancing global health equity.

We are thrilled to welcome Justin Kim to the Elective Africa team and look forward to the incredible impact he will make as he shares his journey and encourages others to embark on theirs

Welcome aboard, Justin!

by Elective Africa