Professor Bolu Ogunyemi, a Nigerian-born clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland and practicing dermatologist in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, has been elected president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This historic achievement makes him the first Black person to lead the organization in its 158-year history. Ogunyemi secured the position after a closely contested election against Susan MacDonald.
As CMA president, Ogunyemi will represent the association in engagements with media outlets, provincial and territorial medical associations, government agencies, and other key partner organizations across Canada.
Ogunyemi brings extensive leadership experience to his new role. He previously served as the inaugural assistant dean of social accountability at Memorial University from 2020 to 2023 and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Labrador Medical Association. In 2024, he completed a fellowship in health services improvement at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health.
Ogunyemi will serve as president-elect pending formal approval by the CMA General Council in May 2025, after which he will commence his one-year term as president.
Following his election, Ogunyemi expressed his commitment to strengthening Canada’s healthcare system and advocating for healthier communities.
“My track record in medical leadership, spanning 15 years, has provided me with expertise on the pressing issues facing our healthcare system today,” Ogunyemi stated. “As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified and respected profession, a robust healthcare system, and healthier communities.”
