Dora Akunyili’s daughter, Ijeoma becomes first black Chief Medical Officer of US hospital

Ijeoma Akunyili, the daughter of the former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ex-minister of information, Dora Akunyili, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center in the United States.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the medical centre on Wednesday, January 11, where it was disclosed that Dr Akunyili is its first Black Chief Medical Officer.

“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.

Speaking on the appointment, Akunyili appreciated the hospital for the opportunity, and said she is committed to ensuring quality service delivery.

“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.” she was quoted as saying.

Dr. Akunyili graduated with the highest distinction from the University of Pennyslvania, and attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

She completed her emergency medicine residency at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

She further bagged an MPA in international development from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

She is married with two teenage children.