Healing patients in Chicago’s troubled neighborhoods
Dr. Daniel Ivankovich is an orthopedic surgeon who treats patients in Chicago's troubled neighborhoods, regardless of their ability to pay.
JESSICA A. KOSCIELNIAK/Getty Images for CNN
In 2010, Ivankovich co-founded the nonprofit OnePatient Global Health Initiative. Today, the group runs three clinics in Chicago, and Ivankovich performs more than 600 surgeries a year.
JESSICA A. KOSCIELNIAK for CNN
Ivankovich started his efforts after years witnessing countless people struggling to get medical treatment because they did not have insurance or were under-insured. They were put on wait lists for months, even years, just to receive basic procedures, and their injuries got worse.
JESSICA A. KOSCIELNIAK for CNN
Ivankovich says more than 100,000 people have benefited from his program. "I know I can't fix everybody," he said. "My goal is to be the battering ram to help break down the barriers to get these patients the care and the resources they need."
JESSICA A. KOSCIELNIAK for CNN
Ivankovich: "Oftentimes when a patient's finally made it to our clinic, they tell me they've been hung up on by 10 or 12 other physician providers because they don't have insurance. It's heartbreaking when you hear the struggles that the patients have to go through for the basics."
JESSICA A. KOSCIELNIAK for CNN
His nonprofit operates two clinics on the South Side of Chicago and another on Chicago's North Side. Ivankovich says they never turn away a patient.
Jessica Koscielniak for CNN
Ivankovich and his group treat conditions such as fractures and spinal reconstruction, and they do major joint reconstruction, primarily hips and knees.
JESSICA A. KOSCIELNIAK for CNN
Ivankovich hopes to expand his nonprofit's focus to include preventive health care. "Our goal is to make every patient we touch an agent of their own wellness and health."