Bolu Ogunyemi Elected as First Black CMA President
Nigerian-born Bolu Ogunyemi has made history as the first Black president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) in its 158-year existence.
Ogunyemi, a clinical associate professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, emerged victorious over Susan MacDonald to secure this groundbreaking achievement.
The dermatologist, currently based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, will formally begin his one-year term as CMA president in May 2025, following general council approval. 
As president, Ogunyemi will represent the CMA in discussions with the media, policymakers, and medical associations, advocating for systemic improvements in Canadian healthcare.
A Distinguished Journey of Academic and Medical Excellence
Ogunyemi’s remarkable journey began in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where he developed a passion for healthcare and community advocacy.
He completed an honors double major in sociology and medical sciences at Western University in London, Ontario, before pursuing graduate studies in epidemiology and earning his medical degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
His interest in dermatology ignited during his time in Newfoundland, where he shadowed a local dermatologist. Ogunyemi enjoyed the variety within the field, diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin disorders while working with patients of all ages.
During medical school, he gained hands-on experience through rotations in skin cancer clinics, pediatric dermatology, wound care, and contact dermatitis. Ogunyemi also explored research areas, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and dermatologic manifestations of systemic diseases, emphasizing innovations in immunomodulatory treatments.
Leadership and Advocacy Define Ogunyemi’s Career
Ogunyemi’s leadership extends far beyond his clinical expertise. From 2020 to 2023, he served as the inaugural assistant dean of social accountability at Memorial University, championing healthcare equity and community-oriented initiatives.
He is also a board member of the Labrador Medical Association and a recent graduate of a fellowship in health services improvement from the University of Alberta.
In his acceptance remarks, Ogunyemi outlined his vision for a unified and equitable healthcare system in Canada.
“My track record in medical leadership, spanning 15 years, has provided me with expertise on pressing issues facing our healthcare system today,” he stated. “As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified and respected profession, a robust health care system, and healthier communities.”
Ogunyemi’s Historic Victory Marks a New Era
Ogunyemi’s election signifies a monumental step toward diversity and inclusion in Canadian healthcare leadership. His professional achievements and academic contributions showcase his dedication to both patient care and systemic reform.
The election of Bolu Ogunyemi as the first Black CMA president-elect underscores the importance of representation and innovation in healthcare. His dermatology expertise and leadership vision promise a transformative era for the Canadian Medical Association.
How will Ogunyemi’s diverse experiences shape the future of Canadian healthcare?
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