Nigerian-Born Doctor Bolu Ogunyemi Elected President Of Canadian Medical Association.
Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a distinguished Nigerian-born dermatologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada, has been elected as the president-elect nominee of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This historic achievement marks the first time in the association’s 158-year history that a Black physician will hold this esteemed position.
Dr. Ogunyemi’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born to a neurology professor and an enterprising mother who was among the first women from her region to attain post-secondary education. His family relocated to Canada, where he pursued an honours double major in sociology and medical sciences at Western University in Ontario. He then completed his medical degree and graduate training in epidemiology at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Specialising in dermatology, Dr. Ogunyemi completed his residency at the University of British Columbia, serving as chief dermatology resident. He currently practises medical dermatology in St. John’s and has maintained a visiting specialist clinic in Labrador City since 2018. In addition to his clinical practice, he has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine from 2020 to 2023.
Dr. Ogunyemi’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice and academia. He has advised the federal government as a member of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Public Health Ethics Consultative Group and serves on the CMA Governance Committee. His commitment to social accountability and health equity is evident through his leadership in various national and international medical organisations.
Pending General Council approval at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025, Dr. Ogunyemi will serve as president-elect until May 2026, when he will assume the role of CMA president for a one-year term. In his statement, he expressed his dedication to advocating for a unified and respected profession, a robust healthcare system, and healthier communities across Canada.
Dr. Ogunyemi’s election has been met with commendations, including from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who praised his achievement as a testament to the excellence of Nigerians in the diaspora.
As he prepares to take on this leadership role, Dr. Ogunyemi’s unique perspective and extensive experience are anticipated to bring significant contributions to the Canadian healthcare landscape, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the medical profession.
