MEET Dr. Nelson Aluya

Nelson Oke Aluya, MD, is a Nigerian-American physician trained in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. He currently serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Newark Community Health Center in New Jersey and as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Rutgers University Medical School, Newark. Dr. Aluya has held senior clinical and administrative roles including Attending Physician at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Medical Director of the Newark Extended Care Facility, and Medical Director of the Sinai Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Center. He is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Board of Pediatrics, and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

In addition to his academic and clinical leadership, Dr. Aluya has contributed to public health and emergency response at the national level. From 2015 to 2016, he served as a medical officer with the CDC’s Newark Quarantine Center under Caduceus, where he conducted tertiary screening, contact risk stratification, and disposition for individuals exposed to Ebola in high-risk regions. He was appointed Chief Medical Officer of the Newark Community Health Center in May 2022 and continues to serve on advisory boards, including Women Leaders in Action. In 2023, during World Drug Day in Nigeria, he advised the federal government on data-driven approaches to substance use disorder, drug abuse, and youth mental health.

Dr. Aluya is also a prominent advocate for civic engagement, health equity, and African diaspora leadership. He is President of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (USA), former Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (New Jersey Chapter), and former President of the New Jersey Medical Association. He founded the Young Professionals Leadership Agenda (YPLA) and has written extensively, led international medical missions, and supported cultural and community initiatives. His honors include the Black History Month Award (2024), Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self,” multiple humanitarian awards, and recognition from municipal and professional organizations. The Dr. Nelson Aluya Scholarship Award was established in his honor.