40 Under Forty: David Gilchrist, MD, MBA, 38

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the WBJ 40 Under Forty award (from left): Matthew M. Copeland, Courtney E. Pelley, Michael Alden, David Gilchrist.

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Medical director

Hahnemann Family Health Center, Worcester

Lives: Holden

Birthplace: Melrose

Colleges: Gordon College, UMass Medical School, UMass School of Business

Gilchrist became medical director of a large practice within just three years of graduating residency. He's turned Hahnemann Family Health Center around from a struggling clinic to a model clinic for UMass Memorial Health Care. The year before Gilchrist took over as medical director, the clinic was 10 percent behind budget in revenue and volume. At the end of his first year as medical director, the clinic was 10 percent ahead of budget for revenue and volume. The clinic serves the most vulnerable populations in the area, as the clientele are socially and economically diverse. In addition to his work at Hahnemann and UMass Memorial, Gilchrist has led efforts to help combat the opioid crisis, a topic on which he speaks regionally and nationally. He's previously done work at detox facilities with Adcare Hospital and Community HealthLink, caring for adults and adolescents struggling with addiction. Gilchrist was elected as president to the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians, becoming just the first person younger than 40 to hold that title. In that role, he advocates for patients and physicians.

From 40 Under Forty judge Milka Njoroge: “As a physician, David provides direct patient care while also impacting the community through his leadership at Hahnemann Family Health Center.”

What will the title and tagline be of the movie about you? “Maximizing Efficiency: How to squeeze more stuff into an already busy day.” It will probably be more of a documentary than a drama.

If you could go back in time, when would you go back to? I would not choose to go back in time. I am always thinking about the future and how innovations will shape that future.

Who is most responsible for your achievements? My mother. She instilled a sense of hard work and overcoming challenges at a very young age.

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics