About
Dr. D. Clay Ackerly co-founded Ackerly McBride Group after a distinguished career spanning clinical medicine, academic medicine, and healthcare leadership. Born and raised in Washington, DC, he was class valedictorian at St. Albans School and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard College. He holds a Master's degree in Health Policy from the London School of Economics and earned his medical degree from Duke University as a Nanaline Duke Scholar.
Dr. Ackerly completed his Internal Medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and later served as MGH's Assistant Chief Medical Officer while on faculty at Harvard Medical School. He subsequently held a role as Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University and served as Chief Medical Officer of Privia Health. His expertise in the care of older adults earned him recognition as an Innovation Advisor to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and a Practice Change Leader named by the Hartford Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies. He was also nominated for the Schwartz Center's National Compassionate Caregiver Award. He has published articles across numerous medical journals. He lives in Northwest Washington, DC with his wife, young sons, and Labrador retriever.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Harvard College (Magna Cum Laude)
Medical School
Duke University (Nanaline Duke Scholar)
Residency
Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School
Additional Training
Master's degree in Health Policy, London School of Economics
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Ackerly right for?
Dr. Ackerly is a strong fit for adults seeking a primary care physician with deep expertise in the care of older adults and cognitive health. Patients navigating complex healthcare decisions benefit from his background as a former hospital chief medical officer and health policy expert. He works well with patients who want a thoughtful advisor who understands the broader healthcare system. His training in geriatric care also makes him a natural fit for patients managing multiple chronic conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ackerly specializes in primary care, care of older adults, and cognitive health. He brings particular depth to patients managing age-related conditions and those who need a knowledgeable advocate within a complex healthcare system.
Yes. Dr. Ackerly holds board certification in Internal Medicine. He completed his residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital in affiliation with Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Ackerly earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and his medical degree from Duke University as a Nanaline Duke Scholar. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. He also holds a Master's degree in Health Policy from the London School of Economics.
Dr. Ackerly has held senior roles across clinical, academic, and healthcare industry settings. He served as Assistant Chief Medical Officer at Massachusetts General Hospital, faculty at Harvard Medical School, and most recently as Chief Medical Officer of Privia Health. He also advised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as an Innovation Advisor.
Yes. Dr. Ackerly earned recognition as a Practice Change Leader by the Hartford Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies for his efforts to improve care for older adults. He was also nominated for the Schwartz Center's National Compassionate Caregiver Award and holds Top Doctor recognition for 2025 and the 2026 Hall of Fame.
Dr. Ackerly believes every patient deserves a thoughtful advisor and a reliable advocate. He gathers thorough clinical data, including genetics, social history, and environmental factors, to give patients grounded, personalized guidance. He treats care as a genuine partnership.
Yes. Cognitive health is a listed area of expertise for Dr. Ackerly. His extensive background working with older adults at MGH's Senior Health Clinic informs his approach to patients managing cognitive changes.
Doctor profile last updated April 27, 2026