New Brunswick oncologist Dr. Margot Burnell steps into CMA presidency: 2025 AGM highlights

Press Release

June 4, 2025

On May 31, members of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) welcomed their new president for 2025–26, Dr. Margot Burnell, a medical oncologist with more than three decades serving patients in New Brunswick.

In addition to a range of leadership experience at the regional and national levels, Dr. Burnell is chief of staff for the Saint John region of the Horizon Health Network and an associate professor of medicine at Dalhousie University, where she was the head of the department of oncology for eight years.

In her inaugural address at the CMA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), she highlighted the need for physicians to inform health care solutions and hold government to account on driving change on issues such as reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, data interoperability and the recruitment and retention of more health professionals.

“My goal is to engage, dialogue and collaborate with as many of you as possible. To listen deeply to your stories, struggles, concerns and solutions and to bring that collective voice to the decision-making table. Put words into action, promises into policies,” she said.

Amid what she described as “turbulent times” for the country, Dr. Burnell celebrated the strengths of the profession — both in clinical care and advocacy — and recognized the great potential of the health system.

“Canada is known for democracy, tolerance, free speech, multiculturalism, resiliency, hockey and much more. Let it be known for its great health care,” she said.

Newfoundland and Labrador physician Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi approved as president-elect

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine, will serve as president-elect until he’s installed as president at the 2026 AGM in May.

Dr. Ogunyemi practises medical dermatology in St. John’s and maintains a visiting specialist clinic in Labrador City. He will also bring 15 years of leadership experience to the CMA.

“My track record in medical leadership has provided me with expertise on pressing issues facing our health care system today. As CMA president-elect, I will advocate for a unified and respected profession, robust health care system and healthier communities,” he said in his campaign to become president-elect.

In addition to approving Dr. Ogunyemi as president-elect, General Council delegates at the AGM approved the full slate of nominees for positions on the CMA board and committees. As well, the CMA board is welcoming a new non-physician member, Pamela Fralick.

IHT4