Dr. Boluwaji “Bolu” Ogunyemi made history when he became president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). He is the first Black physician to lead the organization in its 158-year history. At 39, he is also among its youngest presidents.
The Nigerian-born dermatologist brings experience in clinical medicine, medical education and health policy to the role. His work has focused on improving healthcare access, addressing racism in medicine and making medical education more inclusive.
Ogunyemi’s appointment marks a milestone for Canada’s medical profession. It also builds on a career dedicated to improving healthcare for underserved communities.
A Humble Beginning From Nigeria
Although Ogunyemi is now a well-known figure in Canada’s medical and academic spheres, he is originally from Nigeria, thousands of miles away. Born in the 1980s, his childhood was shaped when his parents moved to Newfoundland and Labrador when he was just three years old.
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His parents left their own distinct mark on the province. They were among the first African families to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador. His father, Professor Abayomi Ogunyemi, went on to become the province’s first epilepsy specialist, a neurologist trained at Mayo Clinic and a faculty member at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
His mother, Mary Ogunyemi, built a business that opened one of the region’s earliest African shops, creating a space for cultural identity long before diversity became a widely discussed topic.
Building a Career in Medicine
Ogunyemi excelled academically and earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sociology and Medical Science from Western University, Ontario. This multidisciplinary foundation later shaped his approach to Medicine, blending scientific precision with deep social understanding. This also became the bedrock of his healthcare advocacy.
He later studied medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he distinguished himself as a leader and served as president of the Medical Student Society. After completing a five-year dermatology specialisation at the University of British Columbia (UBC), he was named chief resident in the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science.
At age 39, he is among the youngest individuals to hold the CMA presidency and the first graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland to lead the organization. During his inauguration as president, he promised to use his position to address these issues, stressing that his leadership will focus on unifying the medical profession, ensuring equitable healthcare policies, and inspiring the next generation of doctors.
“My track record in medical leadership has provided me with expertise on pressing issues facing our healthcare system today,” he said. “As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified and respected profession, robust healthcare system and healthier communities.”
Expertise and Experience
Professor Ogunyemi is widely respected as a dermatologist for his skill in identifying and managing skin disorders, yet his influence extends well beyond clinical practice. His broader work centers on advancing health equity, amplifying overlooked voices, and transforming how medicine is taught in Canada.
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He currently serves as a clinical associate professor at Memorial University and previously served as the first assistant dean for Social Accountability. In that role, he worked to ensure that medical education reflected the experiences of marginalized communities, equipping future physicians to deliver culturally responsive care. He has also guided many young people from underserved communities as they pursue careers in medicine.
Ogunyemi participates actively in health-related dialogue at the provincial, national, and international levels. He engages with policymakers, educators, and leaders in the health sector to encourage greater inclusiveness in the system. His advocacy has helped shape how medical schools embed diversity in their programs and how institutions confront structural barriers within the profession.
Advancing Health Equity and Anti-Racism
Outside his medical work, he has become a recognized thought leader who initiates vital discussions on equity, diversity, and inclusion. His commentary has appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, CBC, and the Vancouver Sun. His pieces have been adopted for anti-racism training and translated into French and Portuguese, extending their reach.
Furthermore, his TEDx presentation titled “The Edge Effect: How Seeking Different Perspectives Yields Creativity, Innovation and Success” underscores the value of embracing varied viewpoints across fields. He has also addressed the Atlantic Immigration Summit and was selected as the convocation speaker for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2018.
Although he was raised in Canada, he remains strongly connected to his Nigerian heritage and returns to Nigeria regularly, drawing inspiration from its culture and values. He also promotes incorporating Afrocentric perspectives into health policy, suggesting that Western systems can learn from African practices, especially in elder care. After observing that many African cultures accord older adults profound respect, he argues that elder care should remain a central focus of health and social policy, guided by that same reverence.
Recognition Received By Dr Bolu Ogunyemi
His contributions have earned him numerous distinguished honors for leadership, scholarship, research, writing, advocacy, and service. In 2011, he received the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association Leadership Award, which highlighted his early potential. In 2017, he received the Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Health Sciences, a highly regarded recognition for Black professionals in Canada.
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In 2018, he received the American Academy of Dermatology Members Making a Difference Award for his work in dermatology and public health. That year, he was also listed among RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants, acknowledging his leadership in the immigrant community, and he was invited to deliver the convocation address for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a distinction reserved for accomplished figures in medicine.
Memorial University presented him in 2019 with the Alumni Horizon Award for Outstanding Alumni Under 35 in recognition of his early impact on medicine and academia, while Western University conferred its Young Alumni Award for his leadership and advocacy.
His profile continued to rise. In 2021, he was nominated for the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award and was recognized as one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada, reinforcing his standing as a catalyst for change in health care and social advocacy.
Dr. Ogunyemi received the Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders in 2022, reflecting his growing influence in the medical community, and The Globe and Mail named him among its Changemakers of the Year for his national role in advancing social progress.
