Nigerian doctor elected president of Canadian medical association

Nigerian clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, has been elected as the president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

Dr. Ogunyemi, a practising medical dermatologist in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and a visiting specialist in Labrador City since 2018, won in the vote held between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.

Moreover, the election saw eligible CMA members in Newfoundland and Labrador decide between Dr. Ogunyemi and Dr. Susan MacDonald, a renowned champion of palliative care.

Though, pending the approval of CMA, Mr Ogunyemi will assume the role of president-elect before becoming president for a one-year term in May 2026.

However, speaking after his victory, Dr. Ogunyemi thanked the medical students, resident doctors, and physicians all over the province who supported him and shared candid advice on how they can work together.

He added that much work is ahead to make life better for the profession and the communities they serve.

Dr. Ogunyemi, “Good afternoon friends and colleagues

“Today the Canadian Medical Association(CMA) announced the results of the recent campaign. I’m honoured that I am the next President-Elect of our national body and ecstatic that together, with your support, the first graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University to lead the CMA.

“Dr. Susan MacDonald has given many years of service to healthcare and Palliative care in particular and I thank her for participating in the campaign process.

“I would like to thank the medical students, resident doctors, and physicians all over the province who supported me and shared candid advice on how we can work together. With gratitude, I thank my colleagues and mentors, both in academia and in the community, for their guidance and counsel. Lastly, I thank my family for their enduring support.

“Much work is ahead to make life better for our profession and the communities we serve. I’m humbled and honoured to be your incoming President-Elect and look forward to the years ahead where we can do big things – together. Onward!”

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