A Nigerian-born clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi has been elected as the president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).
This special milestone marks a proud moment for Nigeria as one of its own ascends to a prestigious leadership position in the global medical community.
Dr. Ogunyemi, who has been practicing medical dermatology in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and serving as a visiting specialist in Labrador City since 2018, emerged victorious in an election held from November 20 to December 4. The election saw eligible CMA members in Newfoundland and Labrador casting their votes between Dr. Ogunyemi and Dr. Susan MacDonald, a well-known advocate for palliative care.
Reflecting on his victory, Dr. Ogunyemi expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the healthcare system. "My 15 years of experience in medical leadership have equipped me with valuable insights into the pressing issues our healthcare system faces," he stated. "As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified profession, a strong healthcare system, and healthier communities."
Pending approval at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025, Dr. Ogunyemi will officially assume the role of president-elect. He is set to become the CMA president for a one-year term starting in May 2026.
Dr. Ogunyemi's extensive background includes numerous leadership roles at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine, where he served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability from 2020 to 2023. He also completed a Fellowship in Health Services Improvement in 2024 from the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health. His contributions extend to serving on the CMA Governance Committee and advising the federal government as a member of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Public Health Ethics Consultative Group.
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