About
Ernest F. Gillan, MD earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1984. He completed both his internship and family medicine residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital, finishing his training in 1987. The American Board of Family Medicine certifies him, and he also holds board certification in geriatrics. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and holds licensure in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Gillan has practiced primary care medicine in the greater Philadelphia community for over three decades. He spent decades serving as medical director of a skilled nursing facility, and he brings deep expertise in supporting patients who age in place or transition to other care settings. His clinical interests include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol disorders, diabetes, dementia, and geriatric care. He chairs the Department of Family Medicine at Main Line Health, where he leads in medicine and population health. Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today have each named him a Top Doctor every year since 2015. He believes knowing a patient on a deeper level strengthens the doctor-patient relationship and guides better care. Outside the office, he enjoys golf, walking his dog, sports, music, and spending time with his family.
Education & Training
Medical School
Thomas Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA - Doctorate of Medicine, 1984
Residency
Residency in Family Medicine, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA, 1985-1987
Additional Training
Internship, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA, 1984-1985
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Gillan right for?
Dr. Gillan is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term primary care relationship built on prevention. Patients managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or high cholesterol benefit from his focused expertise. He is particularly well-suited for older adults navigating geriatric health needs or dementia care. Families across the Main Line and Chester County who want direct physician access will find his practice especially accessible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Gillan focuses on hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol disorders, diabetes, dementia, and geriatric care. He brings over 30 years of primary care experience to each of these areas. His background as a skilled nursing facility medical director deepens his expertise in complex aging-related conditions.
Yes. The American Board of Family Medicine certifies Dr. Gillan, and he also holds board certification in geriatrics. These dual certifications reflect his clinical focus on both family medicine and the unique needs of older adults.
Dr. Gillan earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1984. He completed both his internship and family medicine residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital, finishing in 1987.
Dr. Gillan has practiced primary care medicine in the greater Philadelphia community for over 30 years. He has served patients across the Main Line and Chester County throughout his career.
Yes. Dr. Gillan holds board certification in geriatrics and spent years as the medical director of a skilled nursing facility. He brings particular depth in supporting patients who age in place or move between care settings. Geriatric medicine ranks among his primary clinical specialties.
Yes. Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today have each named Dr. Gillan a Top Doctor every year since 2015. He also chairs the Department of Family Medicine at Main Line Health.
Dr. Gillan chairs the Department of Family Medicine at Main Line Health. In that role, he leads initiatives in medicine and population health across the health system.
Dr. Gillan believes that knowing a patient on a deeper level strengthens the doctor-patient relationship and guides better care. Wellness and prevention drive his approach to every interaction. He pairs that philosophy with advanced diagnostics and chronic disease management.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026