Nigerian Becomes President-Elect of Canadian Medical Association

Nigerian Becomes President-Elect of Canadian Medical Association

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has announced via its X handle the election of Nigerian-born Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi as its nominee for the next president-elect.

Dr. Ogunyemi, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine, will assume the role pending General Council approval at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025.

Ogunyemi’s journey from Nigeria to becoming a prominent voice in Canadian healthcare is nothing short of inspiring. Practising medical dermatology in St. John’s, Newfoundland, he has also provided specialist care in Labrador City since 2018.

His tenure as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability (2020–23) at Memorial University and his leadership roles within the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association reflect his dedication to improving healthcare equity and access.

A recipient of a 2024 Fellowship in Health Services Improvement from the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, Ogunyemi brings over 15 years of medical leadership experience.

He has served on the CMA Governance Committee and contributed to the federal Public Health Ethics Consultative Group.

Reflecting on his election, Ogunyemi expressed deep gratitude and a vision for unifying Canada’s medical profession:

“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.”