Africa, Uganda, Kenya, adventure, travel, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, safari, culture, experiences

In this episode, Paul Stewart shares his exciting adventures in Africa, focusing on his experiences in Uganda and Kenya. He discusses thrilling activities such as bungee jumping and whitewater rafting at the Adrift Camp in Jinja, Uganda, and highlights the beauty of safaris in various national parks. Paul also shares cultural encounters, including meeting the Toro King and celebrating his birthday with local friends. The episode is filled with fun anecdotes and insights into the vibrant experiences one can have while exploring Africa.

02:12 https://www.adrift.ug/accommodation/adrift-overland-camp/

02:23 Episode 9 – The One Who Waits

04:21 Derek and I used to work together back in the IT days. Not sure if we are ever getting deep into that as a lot of that work was government contracts, but maybe…

06:09 In Uganda they call gasoline petrol, and kerosene is paraffin

06:54 Bribes are part of culture over there, and in Uganda they call them “soda”

07:10 This school, like many in Uganda is a boarding school where the children live. Their quarters are large barracks like buildings with bunk beds for thirty or more kids in each room. If it’s a good school, like Sam’s, they have a pit latrine out back…

08:06 When you go rafting with Adrift, they have one or more boats with up to six clients and a guide, plus a safety raft and at least 2 if not more kayaks to pick you up when (not if) you fall out. They also give you a pretty good briefing on what to do when you go in the rough water and have you practice getting back in the raft before you head out. I have some fun videos of this on my Instagram @inkheavy

09:36 https://www.lemalacamps.com/stay/wildwaters-lodge/

15:36 Jim Wilkie and his family helped me raise money to drill a well in Nambi. I met them at New Hope Church in Lorton, Virginia.

17:36 I met Mario Colorado at New Hope Church as well.

Summary

In this episode of Medical Mariner Ink, Paul Stewart shares his experiences in Uganda, focusing on the cultural significance of African names, particularly his own name 'Atwooke', which means 'the one who waits'. He discusses his time at the Outreach to Africa Clinic, the importance of patience in medical practice, and the political climate in Fort Portal. Paul reflects on personal connections made during his stay and the deeper meaning behind cultural integration.

In this episode, Paul Stewart shares his experiences attending church in Africa, highlighting the stark differences between worship practices in Uganda and America. He reflects on the joy and community found in African churches, despite the challenges of poverty and limited resources. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the vibrant worship culture, the generosity of local communities, and the deep sense of faith that permeates these experiences. Paul concludes with a desire to replicate the authenticity of African worship in America.

05:12 Some parks I have been too in Africa include Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda and Lake Nakuru Parka, Masai Mara Game Reserve, and the Elephant Orphanage in Kenya. There will be some stories about the extra fun Cape Buffalo encounter at night in an upcoming episode.

05:54 The church is New Hope Church in Lorton Virginia - https://newhope.org/. This is also the place my wife Nancy and I met.

07:21 The national football team is the Uganda Cranes. I have a friend Erik Bbossa who knows a guy who makes the team kits and used to have a couple shirts from the team kit with my name on them.

17:16 Karbarole Kingdom Hall it turns out is actually a Jehovah's Witness church, this I did not know at the time, but it was interesting anyway.

18:10 I was over at the Rwenzori View Guest House, a small guest house next door to where I was staying while I was there.

20:25 Hope 4 Kids International - https://www.hope4kidsinternational.org/. If you have never been on a mission trip before, or if you have, they are a great group to work with.

In this episode of Medical Mariner Ink, Paul Stewart shares his extensive tattoo journey, discussing his first tattoo experience, the artists and shops that have shaped his collection, and valuable tips for those considering their first tattoo. He emphasizes the importance of finding a reputable artist, understanding the tattoo process, and following proper aftercare to ensure the best results.

03:54 The character was Techno Destructo also a character in Gwar, a Richmond band, performances. The room mate was Hunter Jackson.

04:59 Miller Genuine Draft

05:03 I don't think this particular magazine is still in print. There is a website for a Tatoo Life magazine, but it looks a little different...

06:26 Joel Illch @jcillch on Instagram

07:10 Cornerstone and Company https://www.cornerstoneandco.us/

o7:25 Bart Willis @bartwillistatto on Instagram

07:26 Southside tattoo https://southsidetattoos.com/

07:40 Hotel San Jose - https://www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-san-jose

07:47 Continental Club - https://continentalclub.com/

08:47 Chance Kenyon @chance456 on Instagram

o8:49 Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival - https://tattyshack.com/

11:08 Kelly Drake - @kellydrake on Instagram

11:27 The Revelation of Jesus Christ Chapter 5, verse 6 "Then I saw standing there with the throne and the four living beings, in the circle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been slaughtered. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the sevenfold Spirit of God sent out into all the earth." From the Complete Jewish Study Bible.

11:44 Lost Art Tattoo - @lostarttattoo on instagram

11:52 Tattoos for community @tattoos4community on instagram

12:09 Nate Drew @natedrew1 Instagram

12:28 Jason Hobbie @jhobbie on Instagram

13:48 Classic Tattoo @classictattorva on Instagram

13:49 Absolute Art @absolutearttattoo on Instagram

14:07 Fredericksburg Tattoo Works - https://www.fredericksburgtattooworks.com/

16:35 The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology TATTOOER EXAMINATION & LICENSE APPLICATION https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/boards/BarberCosmo/A450-1231EXLIC_pdf.pdf

eed starting, gardening, seed flats, plant care, pest control, organic gardening, tomato growing, balcony gardening, seed selection, gardening tips

In this episode, Paul Stewart discusses the process of starting seeds in seed flats, emphasizing the importance of understanding frost dates, selecting the right seeds, and preparing the necessary supplies. He provides detailed instructions on planting seeds, caring for them, and eventually transplanting them outdoors. The conversation also covers pest control strategies and the nutritional needs of plants, particularly tomatoes, to ensure a successful gardening experience.

Eden Brothers Seeds - https://www.edenbrothers.com/

Gardening When It Counts (Amazon) - https://a.co/d/hnZSjpG

Seed Flats on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBDKRQNS?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Physician Assistant, PA School, Relationships, Healthcare, Medical Careers, Support Systems, PA Evolution, PA vs MD, PA Resources, PA Certification

This conversation explores the journey of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), the challenges faced during PA school, and the impact on personal relationships. It discusses the evolution of the PA role, the resources available for aspiring PAs, and the differences between pursuing a career as a PA versus a medical doctor. The importance of support systems for PA students and their spouses is emphasized, along with practical advice for navigating this demanding career path.

00:03 AAPA – American Academy of Physician Associates [https://www.aapa.org/](https://www.aapa.org/)

03:59 ARC-PA – Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant [https://www.arc-pa.org/](https://www.arc-pa.org/)

04:57 - CASPA - Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants [https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login](https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login)

05:34 - NCCPA – National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants [https://www.nccpa.net/](https://www.nccpa.net/)

06:27 - PAEA – Physician Assistant Education Association [https://paeaonline.org/](https://paeaonline.org/)

In this episode of Medical Mariner Ink, host Paul Stewart interviews Kandee Griffith, the Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions at Nova Southeastern University. They discuss the admissions process for PA school, the qualities of an ideal candidate, and the unique offerings of NSU's PA program. Kandee shares insights on preparing for PA school, the challenges in American healthcare, and the importance of work experience for prospective students. The conversation emphasizes the need for research and self-awareness in the application process, as well as the critical thinking skills necessary for success in the medical field.

11:34 NSU has 4 PA programs, each needs an individual application. Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Meyers and Orlando

13:09 It is an important differentiator that the program schedules your rotations and arranges housing at remote sites. This is not done at all programs.

133:34 PANCE is the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, the initial "boards" exam all PAs must pass to become certified - "get that dash C". The exam is administered by NCCPA, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. https://www.nccpa.net.

13:49 PAEA is the Physician Assistant Education Association - https://paeaonline.org/. They work to help make the PA education process better.

14:39 H&P is history and physical, the core parts of any patient exam.

15:07 OSCE - Observed Structured Clinical Exam - a standardized exam process to evaluate a provider's ability to use history taking and physical exam skills to make a diagnosis

23:54 This parameter, often called in lay terms a statistic, is specific to NSU. With that rate of applicants to interviews means that only 4-7% of people who apply to the program move on to the interview phase.

26:55 for more on the topic of knowing why you are doing something, see the fourth episode of Medical Mariner Ink titled "Knowing Why" that released on 20 January 2025

Summary

In this episode of Medical Mariner Ink, host Paul Stewart explores the significance of understanding one's 'why' as a source of motivation throughout various life challenges, particularly in education and career paths. He shares personal anecdotes from his educational journey, including his experiences in Uganda and the rigorous path to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). The conversation emphasizes the importance of keeping one's purpose in focus to navigate difficulties and achieve goals.

11:19 You can find the Kelty Redwing backpack on Kelty's site here: https://www.kelty.com/redwing-50/?srsltid=AfmBOoouNmmGFi-aKrpXUwpaSEi6vejHWUAI9BpypjYNaH-QU-cYhF5_

13:04 I am not trying to disparage any of these cities, there are just some places in them that do not seem nearly as friendly as the folks I know in Uganda.

13:22 You can get more information on and even book a stay at the Adrift camp here: https://www.adrift.ug/ Also check out the Wildwaters Lodge for more luxuriant accommodations https://www.lemalacamps.com/stay/wildwaters-lodge/

13:53 https://www.hope4kidsinternational.org/

14:34 Here by EMT I mean Emergency Medical Technician, quite a different scope of practice than a Medic or PA. However, when in Africa, sometimes they make you do more that you usually can in the US...

15:06 The Buckhall VFD Website: https://www.buckhallvfd.org/

15:26 When I travelled to Uganda in 2014, I was upgraded to business class on the leg from Dulles Airport in Virgina to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It was on a brand new 777 that still had that new airplane smell. If you ever get the chance, I recommend flying business class on Emirates once in your life at least. https://www.emirates.com/us/english/

15:37 Outreach to Africa's website is www.outreach-to-africa.org/ 16:04 The clinics I worked in with Outreach to Africa in Uganda were in Fort Portal, Rwebsingo, the Paul Devlin School in Kigarama, and Bundibugyo