The daughter of late Professor Dora Akunyili, Ijeoma has been named the 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 official website of the centre, Dr. Akunyili is the first African American medical professional to serve in the role, The Punch reports.
In reaction to this development, the MD, Executive Vice President/Chief Medical and Quality Officer at WJBarnabas, Dr. Andy Anderson in his comment said 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 also said, “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.”
Ijeoma after the appointment made her comments. She 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.”
Ijeoma’s mother, Dora Akunyili who died in 2014, after a two-year battle with cancer has worked as the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria from 2001 to 2008 and was later appointed Minister of Information and Communications.
