Nigerian Professor Bolu Ogunyemi Elected First Black President Of Canadian Medical Association

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a Nigerian clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, has been elected as the president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

According to a statement on the CMA’s website, Dr. Ogunyemi, a practicing dermatologist in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and a visiting specialist in Labrador City since 2018, emerged victorious in an election held from November 20 to December 4. He competed against Dr. Susan MacDonald, a renowned advocate for palliative care, in a vote open to eligible CMA members in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Following his victory, Dr. Ogunyemi expressed his commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges. He stated, “My 15 years of experience in medical leadership have equipped me with valuable insights into the pressing issues our healthcare system faces, and as CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified profession, a strong healthcare system, and healthier communities.”

Pending formal approval at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025, Dr. Ogunyemi will assume the role of president-elect before officially becoming CMA president for a one-year term starting in May 2026.