It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Anthony Ivankovich, who passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. Dr. Ivankovich was an extraordinary physician, educator, mentor and leader whose contributions to anesthesiology and pain medicine left a lasting impact on countless colleagues, trainees, patients and to RUSH University. His dedication to academic medicine, innovation and patient care helped shape the field and inspired generations of physicians.

Born on March 25, 1939, in Yugoslavia, Dr. Ivankovich arrived in America in 1965 with his wife Dr. Olga Ivankovich, and their first-born son, Daniel. Dr. Ivankovich graduated from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, completed internal medicine training in Nuremberg, Germany. He distinguished himself as Yugoslav rowing champion he represented Yugoslavia in the 1958 World Rowing Championships, and as an Olympic rower in 1960, exemplifying the discipline, resilience and determination that would become hallmarks of his professional life.

Upon arriving in Chicago in 1965, he began his internship at Edgewater Hospital and then trained in anesthesiology at the University of Chicago. He subsequently taught at the Stritch and Pritzker Schools of Medicine. He taught in his field for 15 years as a faculty member in the school of medicine at Cook County Postgraduate School of Medicine, taught anesthesiology at Rush Medical College, the University of Chicago and Loyola University. During these years, he also served as a Major in the United States Army Reserve.

A talented anesthesiologist, Dr. Ivankovich was the former director of the Rush University Medical Center for 26 years until his retirement in 2006. He also served as a trustee for Rush University Medical Center since 2005. Dr. Ivankovich was formerly active on the center’s presidential medical staff as director of the Women and Children’s Hospital, associate vice president, director of surgical services and chair of anesthesiology. The author of numerous books and book chapters on topics such as anesthesia, cancer therapy, liposomes and thoracic surgery, he wrote “Nitroprusside and Other Short-Acting Hypotensive Agents” in 1978 and “Liposomes in Drug Delivery” in 1992. Dr. Ivankovich has also contributed numerous articles and abstracts to professional journals. Dr. Ivankovich was a Past President of the Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists (1979-1980), one of the founding members of the ISAPAC, and a professor who trained a generation of anesthesiologists.

Dr. Ivankovich is an elected fellow of the American College of Anesthesiologists and American College of Chest Physicians and a longtime member of the American Medical Association, the International Association for the Study of Pain, the International Anesthesia Research Association and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to medicine, an endowed chair was established in his name at RUSH. This chair was established in his honor by faculty, former students, and friends to support research and educational initiatives, including mentorship, in the field of anesthesiology and pain medicine.

Dr. Ivankovich carried a love of sport and competition with him all his life as a competitive tennis player, avid golfer and bridge player. Beyond his many professional accomplishments, he will be remembered for his passion, vision, mentorship, leadership and commitment to advancing medicine. His legacy within RUSH and throughout the broader anesthesiology community will endure for many years to come.

Dr. Ivankovich is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dr. Olga Ivankovich, his brother Josip Ivankovich, his sons Dr. Daniel Ivankovich, an orthopedic surgeon, Steven Ivankovich, his six grandchildren Sophie, Anthony, Lukas, Katarina, Honoria and Isidore.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Anthony D. Ivankovich, MD, Chair of Anesthesiology endowment at Rush University. Gifts can be made online at https://rushgiving.com/ivankovichendowment or by contacting the Rush Office of Philanthropy at (312) 942-6830 or giving@rush.edu. Please send memorial checks, made out to "Rush University Medical Center" to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280. If the donation is made via physical check, please designate the gift to The Anthony D. Ivankovich, MD, Chair of Anesthesiology.