We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Ivan Edwards. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivan below.
Dr. Edwards, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I grew up, as a child, in a beautiful home, in Kampala, Uganda – but early on in life, I witnessed events that forged my resilience.
The first issue dealt with was my own cultural identity. As a person of mixed race in Uganda, I found myself in a unique position—I was neither white nor black. My English names, inherited from my English grandfather, clashed with Ugandan naming conventions where surnames had to be East African. My brown complexion (the result of two half white, half black parents) defied easy local norms then; I wasn’t dark enough to be called black, yet not light enough to be called white. I existed in a space that defied simple labels. I learned to deal with that – I had to. I had no choice, despite the jeers, the sneers, and the prejudice. I accepted myself. I embraced me. This experience fostered adaptability and resilience in me.
The second issue revolved around the adversities and loss I experienced. From the 1970s to the 1980s, I lived under the reign of Amin’s dictatorship, and multiple wars. I saw death, suffered hunger and torture, and lost a few members of my family. In the 1970s, my father was arrested for nothing, imprisoned, and tortured by Amin’s henchmen at one of Amin’s torture chambers. He was almost killed, left maimed, and suffered the loss of an eye. Later, my parents were shot and left for dead in a home invasion on Feb 15th, 1983. These experiences required immense strength, more than I could summon, shaping my character and determination. I had to learn to forgive and let go. Giving up on life was not an option. I had to remind myself that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing stronger through adversity.
Third, my belief in something bigger than me kept me going. I knew I was destined for the stars. In 1988, I immigrated to the US to begin a new life. I came to the U.S. with nothing. From nothing, I built myself. I worked long and hard to become a successful doctor, an entrepreneur, and a senior military officer – all from humble roots. The three things that propelled me forward and soaring were: my faith in God, my determination to excel, and my parents’ words of admonition that I could do anything I wanted to.
I have lived a life shaped by adversity and determination – elements of resilience. The challenges I have faced—being caught between cultural identities, witnessing wars, and enduring personal loss—have undoubtedly contributed to my resilience.
In summary, my resilience is a testament to inner strength, cultural adaptability, and unwavering faith. My story in life is to inspire others to find resilience within themselves, even in the face of daunting circumstances. “If this man could do it – you can do it too. Rise up and walk.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am fueled by a deep-seated drive to give back to the community. My aspiration is to leave a legacy that embodies the philosophy that life is not merely about self-preservation. Instead, it’s about enriching society through acts of altruism and meaningful contributions. This belief is the cornerstone of my actions and the guiding principle of my journey.
As a board-certified physician, I am the founder and CEO of Jovana Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain PLLC. I built this company from the ground up, specializing in providing care for patients weakened by disease, trauma, injuries, or issues related to bones, muscles, and nerves. My practice primarily focuses on neurorehabilitation and comprehensive pain management, offering relief to those suffering from conditions such as muscle pain, strokes, neuropathy, low back pain, and arthritis.
In addition to my medical practice, I serve my country as a USAF flight surgeon at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This service is my way of giving back to the great United States of America.
I am also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, dedicated to making continuous contributions to social progress, development, and healthcare delivery for those in need. I have been honored with the title of a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky, an honorific that I hold dear.
Let me make this clear . . . my achievements are not for my personal gain, but to uplift those who need help the most; the downtrodden, the hurt, the ailing, and those held down for whatever reason. My journey is a testament to my dedication to helping others, and I find it truly moving to be able to make a difference in the world.
In addition to my medical practice and military service, I am also a public speaker. I have had the privilege of traveling worldwide, delivering speeches on vital topics such as health, resilience, and personal growth. These experiences have allowed me to share my knowledge and insights, inspiring others to strive for better health and personal development. My journey has not only been about healing bodies but also about nurturing minds and spirits. Through my speeches, I aim to empower individuals to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities have been:
Continuous Learning: The ability to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills has been crucial. The world is always evolving, and staying updated with the latest information and trends is key to staying relevant.
Adaptability: Being able to adapt to new situations and challenges has been vital. Whether it’s learning a new language or understanding a new culture, adaptability has allowed me to navigate through various situations with ease.
Empathy: Understanding and relating to the feelings of others is essential. It has helped me build strong relationships and has been instrumental in my interactions with others.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be:
Embrace Learning: Always be curious and open-minded. Seek out opportunities to learn and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Be Adaptable: Understand that change is a part of life. Instead of resisting it, learn to adapt and see it as an opportunity for growth.
Cultivate Empathy: Try to understand things from other people’s perspectives. It not only helps in building strong relationships but also enriches your own understanding of the world.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When the sensation of being overwhelmed starts to creep in, I have a set of strategies that I employ:
I take a break: I’ve found that occasionally stepping back from a stressful situation, even if it’s just for a few moments, can help clear my mind and alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
I practice mindfulness: I utilize techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and prayer to ground myself in the present moment and manage escalating stress.
I prioritize the tasks at hand: If I sense the onset of overwhelm, I try to prioritize my tasks. I concentrate on what’s most important or urgent and tackle those tasks first.
Above all, I remind myself that I have weathered challenging times before – these moments are transient, and they do pass. I will remain standing when it is all over.
