Dr. Ivan Aksentijevich earned his MD degree from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. After immigrating to the United States, he distinguished himself through two post-doctoral research fellowships at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. During his first fellowship, Dr. Aksentijevich significantly advanced techniques to isolate hematopoietic stem cells and induce donor-specific immune tolerance, crucial for transplantation medicine. His subsequent fellowship focused on reversing gene expressions that confer resistance to cancer cells, laying the groundwork for breakthroughs in cancer therapy. His research at NIH earned him prestigious accolades, including the NIH Biotechnology Award and the National Cancer Institute Technology Transfer Award.
Dr. Aksentijevich’s dedication to medicine continued with a three-year internal medicine residency at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, where he received two Regional American College of Physicians Clinical Awards for excellence. He then pursued a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Johns Hopkins University, where he contributed to clinical trials targeting hematologic malignancies. His work on stem cell transplantation in patients with refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was recognized with the American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award.
Throughout his career, Dr. Aksentijevich has extensively contributed to the scientific community, publishing over 30 articles in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Blood, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Cancer. He has authored several book chapters on leukemias and transplantation immunology and has been invited to speak at numerous national and international scientific meetings.
Beyond his clinical and research accomplishments, Dr. Aksentijevich is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of oncologists. He regularly engages in teaching and mentorship programs, guiding medical students and young physicians through the complexities of oncology.
Dr. Aksentijevich is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Serbian American Medical Association (SAMA), which he founded in 2009. Under his leadership, SAMA has contributed significantly to healthcare in Serbia and the Western Balkans, donating over $1.1 million worth of medical equipment and infrastructure, underscoring his commitment to global healthcare improvement.
In his clinical practice, Dr. Aksentijevich is committed to delivering high-quality patient care. He is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Oncology and the American Board of Hematology, maintaining active memberships in the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. His exceptional care has earned him recognition as a Top Doctor in Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian magazines.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Aksentijevich enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with his wife and five daughters, showcasing his dedication to both family and community.
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