Dr. Ije Akunyili has been appointed as the Chief Medical Officer of Jersey City Medical Center, a United States (US) Hospital.
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| Dr. Ije Akunyili |
This automatically makes Dr. Akunyili the first black Chief Medical Officer of the US medical center.
Dr. Ije Akunyili is the daughter of late former Nigerian professor, Dora Akunyili.
Her appointment was made known by the Medical Center via a statement on its official website.
In the statement, Dr. Akunyili’s appointment takes effect from January 2 2023.
Her late mother, Dr. Dora Akunyili, was the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria from 2001 to 2008.
Dr. Dora Akunyili died at an Indian Specialist Cancer Hospital after a two-year fight with Uterine cancer.
Andy Anderson, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Quality Officer for RWJBarnabas Health, said: “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. She will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
Michael Prilutsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center, said: “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.”
Dr. Ije Akunyili, in reaction to her appointment, said: “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.”
