DR. IVAN EDWARDS: Imported Diets & Lifestyles Come With A Price - Watchdog Uganda
(Dr. Ivan Edwards and his views on imported diets and life...)
Dr. Ivan Edwards and his views on imported diets and lifestyles. According to the article, Dr. Ivan Edwards believes that people in Uganda have imported diets and lifestyles from overseas that are detrimental to their health. He says that as people continue to migrate from the villages to the city, the consumption of foreign diets and the adoption of imported lifestyles, often perceived by many as “better,” gains more appeal. The overseas diets and lifestyles Ugandans embrace come at a great price. They promote obesity–and with obesity comes other maladies like high blood pressure, heart diseases, high cholesterol, strokes, and kidney disease.
What S-T-R-E-S-S will do, and is now doing, to YOU
(Stress will age you faster! Stress will lower your immune...)
Stress will age you faster! Stress will lower your immune system! Stress will ruin your life and happiness! Headaches, abdominal pain, acne, wrinkles, infections, sleepless and restless nights, worry, depression and anxiety…and many more ailments like these can be induced by uncontrolled stress in y
(This article discusses the impact of Donald Trump's presi...)
This article discusses the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on both the United States and Africa. It highlights Trump's straightforward communication style, which has resonated with many, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Trump's presidency has sparked optimism in the U.S. with promises to revitalize the economy and strengthen national security.
The article also examines the Prosper Africa initiative, which facilitated economic activity between the U.S. and African nations, generating significant exports and investments. However, it raises concerns about the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its potential negative effects on health programs in Africa, such as funding shortfalls, disease control, emergency response, health infrastructure, and workforce training.
In conclusion, while Trump's presidency has brought economic optimism, the withdrawal from the WHO poses challenges for African healthcare systems, urging African leaders to prioritize health and address the brain drain.
Colonel Dr. Ivan Edwards (DO, FAAPMR, FRSA) is a medical doctor, minister, award-winning poet, military officer, social activist, and community leader.
His achievements have ranged from co-founding a sponsorship program for disadvantaged children in Uganda to running a veteran program across various US hospitals, and promoting healthcare initiatives in the areas of resilience, neurorehabilitation, pain, PTSD, and COVID.
Background
Dr. Edwards was born in Uganda to Teddy and Ludmilla Nabisooli Edwards, both of Ugandan and European ancestry.
He grew up in a middle-class family but witnessed deep personal and family persecutions during the tumultuous years of Amin's tyranny and the wars that followed, which molded him into joining the ministry at an early age. He was ordained as a non-denominational minister in 1986 in Uganda.
He immigrated to the US in 1988.
Education
He attended Norman Godinho Primary School (now known as Buganda Road Primary School) in Kampala, Uganda. He obtained his secondary, O-level, school education at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School. He attended a year of his A-level education at Makerere High School.
In the US, he pursued ministerial training and graduated with a BA (cum laude) in Pastoral Counseling at Kingsway Christian University & Seminary.
He later changed course to become a physician. He attended Rivier University, graduating with a bachelor's degree, with honors, in Biology, in 1999. He then attended medical school at Midwestern University, graduating with a doctorate degree (Medicine) in 2004.
He completed Internal Medicine internship training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, in 2005, and subsequent three-year residency training, in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Texas Health Science Center (San Antonio), in 2008.
He joined the US Air Force Medical Corps via a direct commission in 2004 (at the rank of Captain), attended Officer Training School, and took additional training at the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine to become a Flight Surgeon in 2016. He is the first flight surgeon of Ugandan descent.
On May 6th 2024, he completed Air War College, a senior military education course at Air University. By 2026, he had attained the rank of Colonel.
Upon completing his medical training, he obtained board certification by both the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a full-fledged Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
He holds memberships with the Aerospace Medical Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the Society of USAF Flight Surgeons, and the Texas Medical Association.
He was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel on October 25, 2021—the highest title of honor awarded by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky—entitling him to be formally addressed as “Honorable.” He was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts on August 11, 2021, in recognition of his contributions to public service and the arts.
Dr. Ivan Edwards is a renowned board‑certified physiatrist based in San Antonio, Texas. His clinical practice is primarily inpatient and focuses on neurorehabilitation and pain management.
He is a Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, holding the rank of Colonel. His assignments have included service with the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis–St. Paul Air Force Base, the 433rd Airlift Wing (Alamo Wing) in San Antonio, and the 301st Medical Squadron in the Fort Worth–Dallas region. Additionally, he served as the Health and Wellness Physician for the San Antonio Fire Department.
Dr. Edwards also serves on several hospitals’ medical executive board committees, contributing to clinical leadership and organizational oversight.
Humanitarian, Advocacy, and Community Work
Dr. Edwards has been active in community activism and humanitarian initiatives, particularly in childhood education, neurorehabilitation, pain, PTSD, and COVID‑related care. He has provided expert input in numerous court cases involving injuries, trauma, and rehabilitation.
From 2006 to 2009, he organized a movement protesting the sale of a historic cemetery in Uganda to private investors (1), (2). In the early 1990s, he was a key founder of a child sponsorship program that provided essential resources to children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Uganda (3).
Between 2014 and 2018, he served as Medical Director of two acute rehabilitation facilities in San Antonio—Select Rehabilitation Hospital and The Nix, where he led specialized neurorehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis (4).
He has also collaborated with international partners to address PTSD and the needs of patients affected by COVID in sub‑Saharan Africa (5).
Public Speaking and Thought Leadership
Dr. Edwards is an influential public speaker who addresses topics related to health, the human condition, personal growth, the environment, and other contemporary issues. He conducts annual symposiums on resilience, reflecting his commitment to strengthening individual and community well‑being. He also shares inspirational and motivational content through his YouTube channel, where he discusses health, resilience, and personal development topics: https://www.youtube.com/@ivanedwards1055
- Commissioned Colonel - Oct 25, 2021 (the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky – in recognition of his outstanding service to the community and nation).
- Fellow of Royal Society of Arts - Aug 11, 2021 (in recognition of his accomplishments in the areas of social progress, development, and health-care delivery towards people in need).
DOCTOR AWARDS:
- Patients Choice Awards (2008–2011, 2013–2020)
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition Awards (2010–2011, 2013–2020)
(Dr. Ivan Edwards’ article discusses how mainstream media ...)
2024
Views
Edwards emphasizes resilience, emotional clarity, and purposeful living. His worldview centers on faith, personal responsibility, and the discipline of letting go of negative influences in order to grow. Additional quotations reflecting his outlook may be found on Wikiquote.
Quotations:
“Walk away from what pulls you back and down. Walk toward what inspires you to be better and healthier.”
“Fear, worry, and anxiety accomplish nothing but grief, heartache, and wasted energy that trim away your happiness and joy. Live your life. Let go of things, situations, and people you cannot change. Enjoy the liberty God has for you.”
“What people think about you does not define you. Get on your feet and move on.”
“What others think or say about you is worthless. Be bold, live your life. Get on your feet and move on.”
“I am honored to have been nominated and commissioned a colonel. The Kentucky Colonels are rooted in rich tradition, honor, and history, and to be a part of that heritage is truly inspiring.” — Col. Ivan Edwards, upon receiving his commission as a Kentucky Colonel.
“Worrying about anything solves nothing.”
Additional quotations may be found on Wikiquote.
Membership
Some of Edwards' memberships include:
Member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Member of the Aerospace Medical Association
Member of the Distinguished Society of USAF Flight Surgeons
Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Personality
Dr. Ivan Edwards is often described as a compassionate and driven individual, with a strong focus on service and leadership. His background as a medical doctor, U.S. Air Force Reserve flight surgeon, minister and humanitarian reflects his dedication to helping others. He is known for his resilience, having overcome challenges, and for his commitment to empowering others through public speaking and advocacy.
Dr. Edwards also emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare and personal growth, which aligns with his broader philosophy of promoting well-being and resilience. His multifaceted career and community involvement highlight his ability to inspire and lead in various capacities.
Quotes from others about the person
- "We were hospitalized from a vehicle accident. Dr. Edwards was our doctor. He spent time with us, explained complex medical stuff and managed our pain. I highly recommend him." Healthgrades.
- "Dr. Edwards is a conscientious clinician who brings positivity and wisdom to his peers and provides top notch patient care. Dr (Lt Col Edwards) is an incredible human and clinician. Those who have had the opportunity to interact with him have been positively affected by his passion to help others." Dr. Mahaney (LinkedIn).
- "I have had the pleasure of going on rounds with Doctor Edwards. I am honestly impressed with his depth and range of knowledge and how he takes the time to teach his patients and the staff. He gives good quality care; Brookdale is lucky to have him aboard." Haight (LinkedIn).
- "Dr. Edwards is a compassionate physician who puts the needs of his patients above all else. His compassion and drive for excellence is contagious which makes for a phenomenal educator. Dr. Edwards is an asset to have on board as an attending physician at Select Rehab." Peck (LinkedIn).
- "Dr Edwards is intelligent, resourceful and creative physician, poised to achieve great things in operational, specialist and administrative venues of practice. He is curious, forward leaning and an inspired clinician to work with in diverse setting ranging from clinic hospital and flight line. Dr Edwards is calm, patient, self-assured and a quintessential team player which serves him particularly well as a physiatrist." Col Dr Sweet (LinkedIn).
Uganda: KCC Denies Cemetery Investor
KAMPALA City Council (KCC) has appealed to families of those who were buried at the Jinja Road cemetery to join forces and oppose the development of the cemetery into a shopping mall.
Dr. Ivan Edwards Gets Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
Dr. Ivan Edwards, a medical doctor and senior military officer, born in Uganda and emigrated to the US, was inducted, in August 2021, as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). The induction is a prestigious award for his achievements in the areas of social progress, development, and health care delivery.
MSN
As a physician, a US Air Force Colonel, and an award-winning poet, he has built a career defined by excellence and anchored in humility.
2026
Poetry collection by DO explores healing, resilience
Lt. Col. Ivan Edwards, DO, Air Force Reserve flight surgeon, has released “Resonance of the Soul: Flowers and Harmonics,” a poetry collection that gives voice to healing and human stories.
4. Colonel - 2021. Honorable title with a colonelcy commission, issued by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Honorable, in Kentucky. Kentucky Colonels are formally entitled to be addressed as “Honorable” within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This designation stems from their commission as honorary aides-de-camp to the governor—a tradition dating back to the early 1800s.
Hon. Dr. Ivan Edwards, Kentucky Colonel
With other honors: Hon. Rev. Dr. Ivan Edwards, Lt Col USAF Reserve, Kentucky Colonel
Awards
Independent Press Award - Distinguished Favorite,
United States
A high‑scoring finalist honor awarded to books recognized for excellence in their category.
A high‑scoring finalist honor awarded to books recognized for excellence in their category.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award,
US
Dr. Ivan Edwards’ Resonance of the Soul – Flowers and Harmonics is a heartfelt and unfiltered collection of poems that dives into love, identity, culture, struggle, healing, and faith. Each section is like a room in a house built on raw emotion and lived experience.
Dr. Ivan Edwards’ Resonance of the Soul – Flowers and Harmonics is a heartfelt and unfiltered collection of poems that dives into love, identity, culture, struggle, healing, and faith. Each section is like a room in a house built on raw emotion and lived experience.