A Nigerian-born professor, Bolu Ogunyemi, has made history by becoming the first Black president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) in its 158-year existence.Professor Ogunyemi, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland and a dermatologist in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, emerged victorious in the election, defeating Susan MacDonald.
As the president of CMA, Professor Ogunyemi will be the face of the association, engaging with various stakeholders, including the media, medical associations, government bodies, and partner organizations across Canada.Prior to his election, Professor Ogunyemi served as the inaugural assistant dean of social accountability from 2020 to 2023 and was a member of the Labrador Medical Association Board of Directors.
In 2024, he completed a fellowship in health services improvement at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, equipping him with the expertise to drive positive change in Canada’s healthcare system.Professor Ogunyemi will serve as CMA president-elect pending formal approval by the association’s general council in May 2025, after which he will begin his one-year term as president.In his post-election speech, Professor Ogunyemi vowed to utilize his position to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system and advocate for healthier communities, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s medical landscape.
“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.”
Source: https://www.lindaikejisblog.com
