Global Health Program - Affiliated Programs and Electives

Affiliate Programs

Tiba Foundation
The Tiba Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare in rural Kenya, one of the world’s most medically underserved regions. Through financial support, the foundation helps sustain outpatient clinics in Ukama, invests in the training and development of local healthcare professionals, provides essential medications, and coordinates a medical volunteer program that sends hundreds of physicians and nurses to rural Kenya each year.

According to the Tiba Foundation, Kenya has one of the world’s highest HIV/AIDS burdens, with women disproportionately affected. In Siaya County, where the foundation concentrates much of its work, approximately one in four women is living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to strengthening local healthcare services, the foundation’s outreach programs address the significant health challenges faced by communities affected by poverty, drought, food insecurity, and infectious disease.

Important: Participation in this elective requires a Kaiser Permanente physician preceptor to accompany the resident and provide on-site clinical supervision throughout the rotation.

Partner Medical Trips

In addition to established affiliate electives, residents may participate in medical service trips organized through our partner organizations. These opportunities do not follow a fixed schedule, and destinations vary from year to year. Upcoming trips will be posted on this website as they become available. Previous destinations have included Peru, Fiji, Mexico, Jamaica, and Thailand.

Integrative Clinics International (ICI)
Integrative Clinics International (ICI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare access in underserved communities around the world. Its mission is to support the development and long-term sustainability of affordable community clinics with a strong emphasis on preventive care and community outreach.
Twice each year, ICI organizes volunteer medical teams that travel to clinic sites in Jamaica. These teams—comprised of physicians, nurses, and healthcare trainees—provide clinical services through partnerships with local healthcare organizations. During each one-week mission, volunteers conduct chronic disease screenings, provide care through three days of outpatient clinics, and participate in two days of community health fairs focused on health education and preventive services.

Flying Samaritans
Flying Samaritans is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing free healthcare services to underserved communities throughout Mexico. The San Diego chapter operates a student-run free clinic in Ensenada, Mexico, on a monthly basis.
Residents who participate alongside medical and health professions students gain valuable experience caring for underserved populations in a cross-cultural setting while working collaboratively with an interprofessional volunteer team. Many student volunteers have described the experience as influential in confirming their commitment to careers in healthcare.

Spanish Language Immersion Program
As part of Kaiser Permanente’s Language Concordance Program, residents have the opportunity to strengthen their Spanish language skills through an immersive educational experience. The program combines classroom instruction with cultural and community immersion over a period of one to four weeks.

Our current Spanish immersion program is offered in Costa Rica and Mexico. While participants with intermediate Spanish proficiency will benefit most, the program also welcomes beginners who are interested in developing their language skills and cultural competency.

Resident-Designed Global Health Electives
Residents may develop an individualized global health elective that aligns with their educational goals, provided the experience meets ACGME requirements and receives approval from their Residency Program Director.

To obtain approval, residents must submit the following information and complete the required preparations:
• Develop a learning plan with the host preceptor that outlines clinical responsibilities, anticipated patient volume, educational expectations, required readings, and presentations. Residents are generally expected to care for at least six patients per day and participate in clinical activities five days per week.

• Provide the name and complete contact information for the supervising preceptor, including telephone number, mailing address, fax number (if applicable), and email address, as well as the name and location of the host clinic or hospital.

• Submit the proposed dates and duration of the elective.

• Complete the Release and Hold Harmless Form(pdf)

• Complete the KP Global Health Code of Conduct (pdf).

• Schedule a consultation with their Kaiser Permanente Travel Clinic to obtain recommended immunizations, medications, and destination-specific travel health guidance.

• Provide emergency contact information for a designated contact in the United States.