New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Few people can list "bluesman" and "spinal surgeon" as their top two levels of expertise.
But then again, Dr.
Daniel Ivankovich is not your average gentleman. The Yugoslavian-born Ivankovich also goes by the nicknames of "Dr. Dan" or "Chicago Slim," who does his best to aid blues musicians, and help them get proper coverage to suit their needs from the health system (and even often providing free care through his non-profit One Patient Global Health Initiative).
Ivankovich was once a college basketball star at Northwestern University, before a career-ending knee injury put an unexpected halt to his dreams. But instead of feeling sorry for himself, Ivankovich found solace in the fields of surgery and blues music.
By co-founding the
Chicago Blues All-Stars band (for which he supplies vocals and guitar), it was by performing in blues venues that he crossed paths with blues vets who were in need of better health care.
Due to his good work, Ivankovich has received praise and coverage from the press:
usatoday.com/story/news/2015/02/15/blues-medical-doctor-dan-health/23389379/
chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-2011/Chicagoans-of-the-Year-2010-Daniel-Ivankovich
cnn.com/2015/07/09/health/cnn-heroes-ivankovich
And as a result, Ivankovich has been named a 2015 Top 10 CNN Hero. Voting for CNN Hero of the Year continues through Sunday, November 15. All of this year's Top 10 CNN Heroes will be honored during "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," on Sunday, December 6, on the global networks on CNN. For more information (and to place your vote), visit:
Heroes.CNN.com
"I know I can't fix everybody," he told CNN. "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." And now, those who have benefitted from the hard work and good deeds from
Daniel Ivankovich can say "thanks" by helping him being named "CNN Hero of the Year."
