DR. IVAN EDWARDS: Former US president Barack Obama is right - Watchdog Uganda
(Dr. Ivan Edwards laments the unequal coverage of the Ocea...)
Dr. Ivan Edwards laments the unequal coverage of the Oceangate submersible, with the loss of 5 lives, versus the sinking of a migrant boat, with the loss of 700 people, in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coastline of Greece. According to the article, Dr. Ivan Edwards believes that this is a travesty that underlines “an obscene inequality” - something that Obama said was wrong as well.
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.
Ivan Edwards (DO, FAAPMR, FRSA) is a medical doctor, an ex-pastor, a military officer, a social activist, a community leader, and a public speaker.
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, 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.
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.
Dr. Edwards is a renowned board-certified physiatrist, with a practice, in San Antonio, TX, that is primarily inpatient and is focused on neurorehabilitation and pain management.
He is a Flight Surgeon at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force Reserve. He was last stationed at the Alamo Wing before transitioning to the 301st MDS Fighter Squadron in Fort Worth-Dallas, Texas. Additionally, he served as the Health and Wellness physician for the San Antonio Fire Department.
Dr. Edwards serves as a board member on a few hospitals’ medical executive board committees. He is also a commissioned Kentucky Colonel.
He has participated in community activism and in humanitarian initiatives for childhood education, neurorehabilitation, pain, PTSD and COVID. He has assisted in numerous court cases pertaining to injuries, trauma, and rehabilitation. In 2006-2009, he organized a movement that protested the sale of a historic cemetery to investors in Uganda (1), (2). In the early 1990s, he was a key founder in creating a child sponsorship program that provided resources to children of disadvantaged backgrounds in Uganda (3). From 2014-2018, he was medical director of two Acute Rehabilitation Facilities (Select Rehabilitation hospital and The Nix), in San Antonio, in which he ran specialized (neurorehabilitation) programs for people with chronic pain, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis (4). He has also partnered with key players to address PTSD and the needs of patients with COVID in sub-Saharan Africa (5).
He is an influential public speaker, and has spoken on various topics related to health, the human condition, personal growth, the environment – and other relevant topics. He conducts annual symposiums on resilience.
- 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).
- 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).
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
Quotations:
- "Walk away from what pulls you back and down. Walk towards to what inspires you to be better and healthier."
- "Fear, worry and anxiety accomplish nothing but grief, heart ache 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, after his award commission as a Kentucky Colonel.
“ Worrying about anything solves nothing.”
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.