A Nigerian-born dermatologist and clinical associate professor of medicine, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, has made history as the first Black President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association.
This marks a significant milestone in the organization’s 158-year history.
Dr. Ogunyemi, who teaches at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine, was elected as the nominee for CMA’s next president-elect after a vote by eligible CMA members in Newfoundland and Labrador. He won against Dr. Susan MacDonald in an election held from November 20 to December 4.
Expressing his gratitude and vision for the role, Dr. Ogunyemi said, “My track record in medical leadership, spanning 15 years, has provided me with expertise on pressing issues facing our health care system today. As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified and respected profession, robust health care system, and healthier communities.”
Dr. Ogunyemi, who practices medical dermatology in St. John’s and also runs a visiting specialist clinic in Labrador City, has held numerous leadership roles. These include serving as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability at Memorial University (2020–2023) and being a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association Board of Directors.
He also brings experience from his involvement in the CMA Governance Committee, the Canadian Doctors for Medicare Board of Directors, and the Public Health Ethics Consultative Group of the Public Health Agency of Canada. In 2024, he completed a Fellowship in Health Services Improvement at the University of Alberta.
Dr. Ogunyemi will officially begin his term as CMA president-elect following General Council approval at the CMA Annual General Meeting in May 2025. He will hold the position until May 2026, after which he will serve a one-year term as the CMA president.
The CMA president serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson, representing it in the media and collaborating with provincial and territorial medical associations, government bodies, and other organizations.
