Dr. Daniel Ivankovich, MD

Dr. Daniel Ivankovich is a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, humanitarian, and musician who has dedicated his life to advocating for the underserved. Based in Chicago, he co-founded the OnePatient Global Health Initiative, a nonprofit that provides comprehensive orthopedic care to patients regardless of insurance status or financial ability. His mission is rooted in the belief that healthcare is a human right, and through his practice, he’s reached thousands of individuals in marginalized communities who would otherwise be left without access to quality medical treatment. Known affectionately as "Dr. Dan" in his community, he has become a symbol of resilience, compassion, and grit in a healthcare system often dominated by bureaucracy and inequality.

Ivankovich’s commitment to medicine was born from adversity. Originally a promising basketball player at Northwestern University, his athletic career was derailed by a devastating knee injury. That life-changing event not only ended his sports ambitions but also inspired his journey into the medical field. Determined to make a difference, he earned his M.D. from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and pursued advanced orthopedic training. His personal experiences as a patient gave him a unique perspective and deep empathy for those in pain—especially those overlooked by mainstream medical institutions. This empathy became the foundation of his career and advocacy.

In addition to his medical work, Dr. Ivankovich is a respected and passionate blues musician, performing under the name “Chicago Slim.” With roots deeply embedded in the city’s legendary blues culture, he has shared the stage with iconic artists and leads the Chicago Blues All-Stars, a group that blends powerful music with messages of unity and healing. His dual identity as both a surgeon and a musician is a testament to his multifaceted approach to community care, using the universal language of music to connect with people on emotional and cultural levels. Music, for him, is another form of medicine—one that heals the spirit.

His work has been recognized nationally and globally. In 2015, Dr. Ivankovich was honored as one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes for his tireless efforts to transform healthcare in underserved areas. He has performed over 100,000 surgeries and continues to offer care in some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in Chicago. His team, known as the "Bone Squad," includes a network of professionals committed to treating the whole patient, not just their injury or condition. Through his outreach and clinical practice, he fights systemic inequality with every patient encounter, challenging the norms of a profit-driven healthcare system.

Dr. Daniel Ivankovich embodies the intersection of talent, perseverance, and service. Whether he's in the operating room, on stage, or advocating for public health policy, his life’s work speaks to a greater vision of equity and dignity for all. He continues to inspire a new generation of medical professionals and community leaders by showing that true healing goes beyond physical recovery—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and the human spirit. His legacy is not just one of medical achievements, but of unwavering dedication to those society too often forgets.