WASHINGTON D.C. – Dr. Ivan Edwards, a Ugandan-born American physician and ordained minister, has been selected for promotion to Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The announcement, made on , represents a significant achievement, reached by only 1-3% of officers across the U.S. Military.
Edwards is believed to be the first U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon of Ugandan descent, a distinction that carries particular weight given the increasing emphasis on diversity within the American armed forces. “Grateful. Humbled. Honored,” Edwards stated in a public statement. “It has been a very steep climb that demanded patience, dedication, resilience, and faith. But one well worth it.”
The promotion acknowledges not only Edwards’ commitment to military service but also his multifaceted career. As a Flight Surgeon trained in Aerospace Medicine, he provides critical medical support to aircrews, ensuring their health and readiness. Beyond his military duties, Edwards is a board-certified physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine, neurorehabilitation, and minimally invasive pain management, dedicating his practice to helping individuals regain function and improve their quality of life after injury or chronic pain.
Edwards’ journey reflects a life shaped by both opportunity and adversity. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he experienced a childhood marked by the tumultuous reign of Idi Amin, a period he has described as characterized by widespread human rights abuses. He later emigrated to the United States in the late 1980s, seeking a better life and the chance to fulfill his potential.
His path to becoming a Colonel has been marked by a dedication to service that extends beyond the medical field. Edwards is also an ordained minister, addressing the emotional and spiritual dimensions of care for his patients and community. He is a prolific writer and poet, authoring Resonance of the Soul: Flowers and Harmonics, a collection that has received both the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and the Independent Press Award (Distinguished Favorite).
The impact of Edwards’ work extends internationally. In 2025, the Uganda Poetry Society established the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award, now one of the highest-value poetry prizes in East and Central Africa, recognizing his contributions to literature and cultural exchange. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, further demonstrating his recognition as a leader in multiple fields.
Edwards’ success story resonates particularly strongly within the Ugandan diaspora, and he explicitly acknowledged this in his statement. “You can do it. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot. Keep climbing. Keep believing. This moment is for all who dream, work, and refuse to quit,” he said, offering a message of encouragement to those who, like him, have left their homeland in pursuit of opportunity.
The promotion to Colonel comes at a time when the U.S. Military is actively working to increase diversity within its officer ranks. While progress has been made over the past two decades, disparities remain. Edwards’ achievement underscores the Air Force’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive force, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.
Edwards’ background, encompassing medicine, military service, literature, and humanitarian work, positions him as a unique figure within the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He is CEO and founder of Jovana Rehabilitation Medicine & Pain and IEME LLC, both located in San Antonio, Texas, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to providing specialized medical care.
He expressed deep gratitude to those who supported his journey, stating, “I’m thankful to God, to my family who stood with me through every season, to my great commanders who guided, challenged, and supported me with respect, and to every mentor who saw more in me than I sometimes saw in myself.” He also paid tribute to his parents, acknowledging their enduring influence: “To my mother, your strength shaped mine. To my late father, I carry your lessons with me. I hope I’ve made you proud.”
The promotion of Lt. Col. Ivan Edwards to Colonel represents not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of opportunity and resilience for those within the Ugandan diaspora and beyond. His multifaceted career and dedication to service serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the potential for individuals to excel in multiple fields while making a meaningful contribution to society.
