About YMA International

Empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders through education, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.

Our Story

The Youth Medical Association International was founded by Rayhan Mehal, a passionate student at The Bronx High School of Science, who experienced firsthand the transformative power of healthcare professionals.

At the age of four, Rayhan was hospitalized and witnessed how doctors cared for their patients with dedication and compassion. This early experience, combined with seeing his grandmother's work as a physician in Bangladesh, inspired his passion for medicine and motivated him to create opportunities for other young people.

Recognizing that many students interested in medicine lacked access to quality programs and mentorship, Rayhan founded YMA to bridge this gap and create a supportive global community for aspiring healthcare professionals.

YMA medical training session
YMA educational presentation session

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

To provide high school students worldwide with exceptional access to medical education, professional mentorship, and hands-on healthcare experiences that prepare them for successful careers in medicine while building a supportive global community.

Vision

To become the premier international organization empowering young people to pursue excellence in healthcare, creating a diverse and compassionate generation of medical leaders who will transform global healthcare.

Our Core Values

Compassion

We believe that great healthcare professionals are driven by genuine care and empathy for others, just as Rayhan witnessed in his early experiences with medical professionals.

Excellence

We strive for the highest standards in everything we do, from our educational programs to our partnerships with leading medical institutions.

Community

We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can pursue their medical aspirations together.

Growth

We are committed to continuous learning and development, helping our members grow both personally and professionally.

Integrity

We operate with transparency, honesty, and ethical standards that reflect the values expected of future healthcare professionals.

Impact

We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and the communities they will serve.

What We Do

Educational Programs

We organize weekly meetings featuring discussions on medical specialties, current public health issues, and presentations by medical professionals.

Mentorship Network

We connect high school students with college students, medical school students, and practicing physicians for guidance and career advice.

Hands-On Experiences

We provide opportunities for hospital visits, shadowing experiences, and practical training sessions like CPR certification.

Leadership Development

We offer various leadership roles and team positions that help students develop organizational and management skills.

Community Outreach

We engage in community service activities and fundraising events that give back to the community while building character.

College Preparation

We provide guidance on college applications, pre-med programs, and medical school preparation through our experienced mentors.

Our Growing Impact

Since our founding, YMA International has grown into a thriving global community of over 4,000 passionate students across 45 international chapters, all united by a shared commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Our strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions like NYU Langone, the New York Fire Department (FDNY), and the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program provide our members with exclusive opportunities typically unavailable to high school students.

We maintain a supportive, collaborative environment where students can explore their medical aspirations, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections with peers and mentors worldwide.

View Our Chapters Meet Our Team
YMA group at medical facility

Ready to Join Our Global Community?

Become part of a passionate international community of future healthcare leaders and access opportunities that will shape your medical career.

Find Your Chapter Meet Our Leadership