On 29 May 2026, Doctor Bolu Ogunyemi officially assumed the presidency of the Canadian Medical Association at its annual general meeting in Ottawa. At 39 years of age, he is not only the first Black president in the organisation’s 159-year history, but also one of the youngest individuals ever to hold the office.
The Canadian Medical Association, founded in 1867, represents physicians across the country, with the presidency rotating annually among the provinces and territories.
Doctor Ogunyemi’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born to a neurology professor and an enterprising mother. His family relocated to Saint John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, when he was just 3 years old. He pursued his undergraduate education at Western University, completing an honours double major in sociology and medical sciences.
He then attended medical school at Memorial University, where he served as president of the medical student society. He later completed a dermatology residency at the University of British Columbia, earning the distinction of chief resident.
Since 2018, Doctor Ogunyemi has maintained a dermatology practice in Saint John’s, while also operating a regular outreach clinic in Labrador City, serving the roughly 10,000 residents of Labrador West. Many of these patients face significant barriers to travel, due to illness or financial constraints, making his visits the sole source of dermatologic care in the region.
At one point, he conducted approximately 15 per cent of all virtual dermatology consultations in the province, extending specialist access between in-person visits. He is also a clinical associate professor at Memorial University, and he served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability, leading initiatives in health equity, Indigenous health and community engagement.
His presidency is built upon 3 core priorities: strengthening primary care; reducing administrative burden on physicians; and responsibly integrating innovation to improve patient care. He has been a vocal advocate for community-based practice, stating: ‘Patients heal from illness in a hospital, but they truly become well in their communities.’
He is also committed to advancing Indigenous health, recently welcoming the passage of Bill S-228, which clarifies forced sterilisation as aggravated assault under the Criminal Code. ‘We stand with survivors of forced and coerced sterilisations, and we are committed to continuing our work in partnership with Indigenous People,’ he affirmed.
Recognised as a ‘National Changemaker’ by The Globe and Mail, and honoured with the Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders, Doctor Ogunyemi has also been featured in TEDx, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, The New York Times and the Lancet.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is a devoted father to 2 young daughters. ‘When people see themselves reflected at this level, it reinforces that their experiences and perspectives are valued,’ he reflected. ‘That strengthens how we lead as a profession.’
