A surgeon who rescued two badly injured Haiti earthquake victims has been honored by the National Association of Social Workers.
The group's Illinois chapter picked Chicago-area surgeon Dr. Daniel Ivankovich (ih-VAHN'-ko-vich) as its "Public Citizen of the Year."
Ivankovich helped airlift the two patients to Chicago. Both endured months of medical treatment for severe spine injuries at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. One learned to walk again and returned with Ivankovich to Haiti in July. The other returned home later.
The doctor also delivered more than 2,000 pounds of medical supplies to Haiti and helped treat dozens of victims there.
In honoring Ivankovich, the social work group noted that he has worked with underserved patients for years.
