Tasty Yarns: Meet The Nigerian Doctor Who Becomes The First Black President-Elect of The Canadian Medical Association

Meet Dr. Boluwaji "Bolu" Ogunyemi, the first black president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association. He is a Canadian/Nigerian dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He practices dermatology in St. John's and has maintained a visiting specialist clinic in Labrador City since 2018.

Dr. Ogunyemi earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University, where he served as Medical Student Society president. He completed his dermatology residency at the University of British Columbia, delivering the Royal College convocation address upon graduation. Further enhancing his leadership skills, he completed the Director Education Program at the Rotman School of Management and a Fellowship in Health Systems Improvement at the University of Alberta's School of Public Health.

In his role as Assistant Dean of Social Accountability at Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Ogunyemi has been instrumental in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within medical education and practice. His advocacy extends to serving on the Canadian Medical Association's Governance Committee and the Board of Directors for Canadian Doctors for Medicare.

Dr. Ogunyemi's contributions to medicine and social justice have been recognized with several honors, including the Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders and being named a Globe and Mail Changemaker. In 2024, he announced his candidacy for President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to Canada's evolving healthcare challenges.

Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Ogunyemi is a prolific writer, with articles featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times and The Globe and Mail. He is also a sought-after speaker, delivering talks on leadership, anti-racism, and diversity, including a TEDx presentation titled "Edge Effect: Different Perspectives Yield Creativity, Innovation."

As an immigrant from Nigeria who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador at the age of three, Dr. Ogunyemi is deeply committed to serving the province that welcomed his family. He is dedicated to advancing healthcare equity and fostering inclusive medical practices across Canada.

____________________________________

NEW EPISODE

MY TASTY NAIJA

Which Won?

Nigerian Jollof vs Senegalese Jollof At A London Lounge

Planet 224 Plus | My Tasty Naija EP42