A professor from Nigeria, Bolu Ogunyemi, has been appointed as the president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), thus marking a historic milestone as the first Black individual to assume this role in the association’s 158-year existence.
Ogunyemi serves as a clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland and practices dermatology in St.John’s Newfoundland Labrador. He triumphed in the election against contender Susan MacDonald.
In his capacity as president, Ogunyemi willbe the face of the CMA in interactions with the media, Provincial and territorial medical associations, governmental entities, and affiliated organizations throughout Canada.
Previously, Bolu Ogunyemi held the position of Inaugural assistant dean of social accountability from 2020 to 2023 and is currently a board member of the Labrador Medical Association.
In 2024, he completed a fellowship focused on health services Improvement at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health.
He is slated to serve as CMA president-elect pending official endorsement by the association ’s General Council in May 2025 at which point he will commence his one-year presidency.
After his election, he committed to leveraging his role to enhance Canada’s healthcare framework and promote healthier communities.
“My extensive experience in medical leadership over the past 15 years has equipped me with insights into the urgent challenges confronting our our healthcare system today,” he remarked.
“As CMA president-elect , my goal will be to champion a cohesive and esteemed profession, a resilient healthcare infrastructure, and thriving communities.”