Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a Clinical Associate Professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine, has been elected as the nominee for the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Pext president-elect.
According to a statement on the website of the the CMA, the President, “elected by members from a different province or territory every year — is the primary Spokesperson for the CMA’s work. They represent the CMA in the media, as well as to provincial and territorial medical associations, government and other partner organizations.”
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 become CMA President for a one-year term.
Eligible CMA members in Newfoundland and Labrador voted for the President-elect from November 20 to December 4, choosing between two candidates — Dr. Ogunyemi and Dr. Susan MacDonald.
The statement noted that Dr. Ogunyemi practises medical dermatology in St. John’s and has maintained a visiting specialist clinic in Labrador City since 2018.
In addition to numerous leadership roles at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine, including the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability (2020–23), he has served on the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association Board of Directors.
He completed a Fellowship in Health Services Improvement in 2024 from the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health.
Dr Ogunyemi also serves on the CMA Governance Committee and previously on the Canadian Doctors for Medicare Board of Directors and has advised the federal government as a member of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Public Health Ethics Consultative Group.
“My track record in medical leadership, spanning 15 years, has provided me with expertise on pressing issues facing our health care system today,” he said. “As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified and respected profession, robust health care system and healthier communities.”
The son of a neurology professor who left Lagos to pursue a Mayo Clinic fellowship and a tireless entrepreneur who was one of the first women from her region in Nigeria to attain post-secondary education, Dr Ogunyemi has authored publications for The New York Times, Huffington Post, Globe and Mail, CBC, Vancouver Sun and many other print & electronic media outlets.
His original articles about diversity & inclusion and medical humanities have been used in anti-racism workshops while his writing has been translated into French and Portuguese. He has been quoted in Chatelaine, Flare, National Post & the Toronto Star.
Dr Ogunyemi earned BSc (Hons) in Sociology & Medical Science from Western University before medical school at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he served as President of the Medical Student Society, followed by 5-year specialization in Dermatology at UBC where he was named Chief Resident.
He delivered high profile speeches including a TEDx Talk entitled “The Edge Effect: How Seeking Different Perspectives Yields Creativity, Innovation & Success,” speaking at the Atlantic Immigration Summit & serving as 2018 Royal College of Physicians Convocation Speaker
He has served on the Executive Committees of Resident Doctors of BC & Canadian Professors of Dermatology, the Board of Directors of the Canadian Dermatology Association, Co-Chair of the CDA Resident and Fellows Society. He served for the American Academy of Dermatology & was selected as a Canadian Medical Association Ambassador.
Dr Ogunyemi has received awards for leadership, academics, research, writing, advocacy & community service from the National Institutes of Health, Canadian Dermatology Association, American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Foundation. Major awards and distinctions include the Harry Jerome Award in Health Sciences, RBC Top Canadian Immigrant Award, Western University Young Alumni Award, and the Memorial University Alumni Tribute Award.
