In a groundbreaking achievement, Nigerian-born doctor Bolu Ogunyemi has been elected as the President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This milestone marks a significant breakthrough for diversity and representation in the medical field, as Dr. Ogunyemi becomes the first Black person to hold this position in the CMA's 158-year history.
A clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland's Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Ogunyemi has established himself as a leading voice in Canadian healthcare. With a strong background in medical dermatology, Dr. Ogunyemi has been providing specialist care in Labrador City since 2018.
Dr. Ogunyemi's leadership roles within the medical community are impressive. He served as the inaugural assistant dean of social accountability from 2020 to 2023 and is also a member of the Labrador Medical Association Board of Directors.He completed his fellowship in health services improvement in 2024 from the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health ¹.
As President-Elect of the CMA, Dr. Ogunyemi will represent the CMA in the media, provincial and territorial medical associations, government, and other partner organisations in Canada.
He will serve as president-elect, pending his approval by CMA’s general council in May 2025, when he will become the association’s president for a one-year term.
Speaking after the election, Dr. Ogunyemi promised to use his position to advocate for a robust healthcare system in Canada.
"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, a robust health care system, and healthier communities".
Dr. Ogunyemi's election is a significant milestone for the CMA, marking a new era of diversity and inclusivity. His leadership will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of medical professionals and promote a culture of excellence and innovation within the CMA.
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