Femi Ashekun/
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.
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.”
Dr. Ogunyemi shared his acceptance speech on X, thanking those who supported his campaign:
“Excited to announce my successful campaign for @CMA_Docs President-Elect!
Thanks to medical students, resident doctors, and physicians all over the province who supported me & shared candid advice on how we can work together.
“With gratitude, I thank my colleagues and mentors, both in academia and in the community, for their guidance and counsel. Lastly, I thank my family for their enduring support.
“Dr. Susan MacDonald has given many years of service to healthcare and Palliative care in particular, and I thank her for participating in the campaign process.
“Much work is ahead to make life better for our profession and the communities we serve. I’m humbled and honoured to be your incoming President-Elect and look forward to the years ahead where we can do big things — together.
“Onward!”
Eligible CMA members in Newfoundland and Labrador voted for the position from Nov. 20 to Dec. 4, selecting Ogunyemi over fellow candidate Dr. Susan MacDonald.
As he prepares to take on this pivotal role, Dr. Ogunyemi’s inspiring rise from his Nigerian roots to becoming a champion for Canadian healthcare embodies the resilience and vision needed to navigate the nation’s healthcare challenges.
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