Daughter of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, Ijeoma, has been named Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility, in the United States of America.
Dr Ijeoma Akunyili, an emergency medicine physician, is the first daughter of the late former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria (NAFDAC) and ex-minister of information.
In a statement released on the official website of the centre, it was disclosed that Dr Akunyili is the first African American medical professional to serve in the role
The statement reads: “RWJBarnabas Health is proud to add Dr Akunyili to its executive clinical leadership team. 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,” said Andy Anderson, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Quality Officer for RWJBarnabas Health. She will be a tremendous asset to our team.
“Dr Akunyili 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,” said Michael Prilutsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center.
Reacting to the appointment, Akunyili was quoted 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.
“It is a true privilege to lead the clinical effort at Jersey City Medical Center and to create sustainable health outcomes for our community”.
Dr Akunyili graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with the highest distinction and attended the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine.
She completed her emergency medicine residency at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
