Nigerian Doctor becomes first African-American Chief Medical Officer in Jersey City

Ijeoma Akunyili was named the Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility, in the United States of America earning her a place in history. 

According to a statement released on the official website of the center, Dr. Akunyili is the first African American medical professional to serve in the role.

“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 a tremendous impact,” the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center, Michael Prilutsky said of Dr. Akunyili.

Speaking on her appointment, Dr. Ijeoma 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.

“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 is the daughter of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, who served as the Director-General of the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from 2001 to 2008, where she is known to have launched a ferocious war against illegal and fake drugs.

Dora Akunyili was later appointed Minister of Information and Communications.

She however died in 2014 after battling cancer for about two years.