Naija to the world: Dora Akunyili’s daughter becomes first black chief medical officer of US hospital

The first daughter of late Professor Dora Akunyili, Ijeoma Akunyili, has been announced as the new Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility, in the United States of America.

According to a statement released on the center’s official website on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Dr. Akunyili is the first African American medical professional to hold the position.

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In his comment, the MD, Executive Vice President/Chief Medical and Quality Officer at WJBarnabas, Dr. Andy Anderson said that her experience managing multi-specialty physician groups in integrated health care systems will help support Jersey City Medical Center in providing comprehensive health care throughout the community.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center, Michael Prilutsky added, “She has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and as our Chief Medical Officer, we look forward to creating a world-class experience for every patient at Jersey City Medical Center. I am confident that Hudson County will benefit in a great way from her leadership, and that her presence will have tremendous impact.”

Speaking on the appointment, Ijeoma Akunyili was quoted as saying “I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to serving the residents of Hudson County and continuing to provide safe, innovative, efficient, and equitable care.

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“It is a true privilege to lead the clinical effort at Jersey City Medical Center and to create sustainable health outcomes for our community.”

Ijeoma’s mother, Dora Akunyili was the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria from 2001 to 2008 before she was later appointed Minister of Information and Communications.