Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a distinguished Canadian dermatologist and academic, has made significant contributions to medicine through his clinical practice, policy advocacy, and commitment to social accountability. An immigrant from Nigeria, he completed his Doctor of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), where he served as president of the Medical Students’ Society. He pursued his dermatology residency at the University of British Columbia, delivering the convocation address at the Royal College. Dr. Ogunyemi is a clinical associate professor of medicine at MUN’s Faculty of Medicine, practicing medical dermatology in St. John’s and maintaining a visiting specialist clinic in Labrador City since 2018.
In 2020, he became MUN’s inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability, focusing on aligning medical education and practice with the diverse needs of communities, particularly underserved populations. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting diversity within the medical profession, including initiatives to introduce Indigenous and rural students to health sciences at an early stage.
Dr. Ogunyemi’s policy advocacy is notable. He served on the Board of Directors for Canadian Doctors for Medicare and was the lead author of a policy paper discussing how virtual care can address health inequities in rural and remote settings. Additionally, he has advised the federal government as a member of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Public Health Ethics Consultative Group.
His innovative contributions to medical education include advocating for revisions in dermatology curricula to better represent diverse skin and hair types, addressing gaps that historically overlooked richly pigmented skin. This work enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient care across all ethnic backgrounds.
In December 2024, Dr. Ogunyemi was elected as the president-elect nominee of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) by members in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pending General Council approval at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025, he will serve as president-elect until May 2026, subsequently assuming the role of CMA president for a one-year term.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ogunyemi has been a vocal advocate against racism in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in medical practice. His leadership and dedication continue to drive meaningful change, making medicine more reflective of and accountable to Canada’s diverse populations.
By : Jide Adesina 1st
1st Afrika
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