Ijeoma Akunyili Makes History as First Black CMO at Jersey City Medical Center
Ijeoma Akunyili Makes History as First Black CMO at Jersey City Medical Center
Jersey City Medical Center in the United States has appointed Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili as its Chief Medical Officer, marking a historic milestone for the hospital and the wider healthcare community.
Dr. Akunyili’s appointment makes her the first Black Chief Medical Officer since the hospital was established in 1882.
She is the daughter of the late Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, former Director-General of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who was widely known for her role in the fight against counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
Before her appointment, Dr. Akunyili built an extensive medical and leadership career across several states in the US.
She previously served as Regional Medical Director for TeamHealth’s Northeast Group, where she oversaw operations in nearly 20 emergency departments as well as critical care and hospitalist services across New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New York.
She also held the position of Chair of Emergency Medicine at Waterbury Hospital and currently serves as President of the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians.
Dr. Akunyili’s academic background reflects a strong blend of medicine and public service. She graduated with top honours from the University of Pennsylvania, earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and later obtained her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
She completed her emergency medicine residency at the McGovern Medical School of UTHealth Houston.
Her professional excellence has earned her several recognitions, including the Rising Star Award from the American Association of Women Emergency Physicians in 2016 and the Medical Director of the Year Award in 2019 for her work at Waterbury Hospital.
In 2024, Becker’s Hospital Review also listed her among notable Black healthcare leaders in the United States.
In July 2024, the Harvard Kennedy School elected Dr. Akunyili as a member of its alumni board, selecting her alongside eight others from different countries.
Dr. Akunyili is married to Aris Brou and they have two children. She is the first daughter of Dr. Chike Akunyili and the late Dora Akunyili, whose public service legacy continues to inspire many Nigerians at home and abroad.
