Boluwaji Ogunyemi, BSc'08
Recipient of the Western Science Alumni Award of Achievement
Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi, BSc'08, is the perfect example of a community-focused physician. An accomplished dermatologist, researcher, educator, speaker and leader, Dr. Ogunyemi is widely known and respected as a strong patient advocate and a voice for social justice.
Growing up in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Ogunyemi felt a strong connection to Western where his father completed neurology residency in what is now Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. At Western, Dr. Ogunyemi completed a bachelor of medical sciences and sociology before returning to Memorial University of Newfoundland for graduate training in clinical epidemiology and a doctor of medicine. Dr. Ogunyemi completed a five-year specialization in dermatology at the University of British Columbia, where he was appointed chief resident in the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science.
Dr. Ogunyemi's advocacy and patient focus are far-reaching. At the local level, he spends time mentoring youth from underserved communities. Dr. Ogunyemi works with provincial, national and international bodies on issues related to social accountability and health equity. He collaborates with health leaders to ensure perspectives from marginalized groups are reflected through medical curriculum and residency training across the country.
Dr. Ogunyemi's vision and passion have been acknowledged by various groups. He was awarded Cultural Educator of the Year by the Association for New Canadians, was listed as a Globe & Mail Changemaker, received the Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders and was a nominee for the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award. Dr. Ogunyemi is also a past recipient of the Young Alumni Award from Western Alumni.
Dr. Ogunyemi is a versatile and gifted communicator, having contributed pieces to The New York Times, Huffington Post, CBC, and The Globe and Mail about issues related to diversity, anti-racism, social justice and medicine.
Dr. Ogunyemi is currently a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Memorial University and is completing his term as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Social Accountability. He continues to practice as a dermatologist in St. John's and regular outreach clinics to manage patients in rural parts of Labrador
Dr. Ogunyemi’s colleagues champion his leadership, vision and dedication to the profession. The impact of his work continues to be felt by those he works with as he makes health care more equitable.
