Meet Bolu Ogunyemi, first black physician to lead Canadian Medical Association

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi is a double board-certified dermatologist, writer, keynote and TEDx speaker who made history as the first Black president in the 159-year history of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

Ogunyemi is also the youngest physician to serve as the national voice of Canada’s doctors since the 1800s and the first graduate of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine to become CMA president.

A physician, educator and diversity advocate, Ogunyemi has built a career at the intersection of healthcare, leadership, health equity and anti-racism.

He previously served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability at Memorial University, where he oversaw initiatives focused on health equity, Indigenous health and global health.

He has also held board and advisory positions with several medical and professional organisations, including Canadian Doctors for Medicare, the Canadian Dermatology Association, Resident Doctors BC and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.

Bolu Ogunyemi’s academic background spans medicine, sociology, medical science, epidemiology, leadership and health systems improvement. He earned his medical degree from Memorial University after completing a BSc in Sociology and Medical Science at Western University. He later trained in dermatology at the University of British Columbia, where he served as Chief Residents including The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, CBC, National Post, Huffington Post and The Hill Times.

He has also been featured or quoted by outlets including The Lancet, Global News, CTV, Medscape, Canadian Press and Toronto Star.

As a speaker, Bolu Ogunyemi has addressed audiences at the Empire Club of Canada, delivered a TEDx talk, participated in Globe and Mail events and spoken at the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Ottawa. He has also chaired an international panel on physician health in London, UK.

His leadership and advocacy have earned him more than 50 awards and honours spanning academics, research, leadership and advocacy. His recognitions have come from organisations including the Canadian Medical Association, American Academy of Dermatology, Western University, Memorial University and the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. He has

also been honoured in the Canadian Senate.

His election to lead the CMA marks another milestone in a career that has combined clinical medicine, medical education, health equity, advocacy and leadership.