Practical leadership across complex operations.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Matt Gilchrist in the Practice Managers Network for many years, and his contribution to the Australian general practice community is genuinely difficult to overstate. As one of our long-standing moderators, Matt brought something that is rare in any volunteer role: consistent expertise, calm authority, and an unfailing willingness to share his knowledge. In a community of more than 15,000 practice managers navigating complex and rapidly changing challenges, that contribution mattered enormously. Members could rely on Matt's responses to be accurate, considered, and practical. He never talked down to anyone, but he never allowed misinformation to go unchallenged. That combination earned him enormous respect across the network. What sets Matt apart, however, is what he did when the stakes were at their highest. When COVID-19 disrupted supply chains and GP practices across Australia were struggling to obtain hand sanitiser, Matt did not wait for someone else to solve the problem. As an integral member of a three-person team, he helped coordinate the manufacture and distribution of hand sanitiser to clinics nationwide. At a time when frontline healthcare services desperately needed support, this initiative made a tangible difference to practices, healthcare workers, and patients across the country. Matt's contribution has always been voluntary. No obligation, no remuneration, simply a professional who genuinely cares about the sector and the people within it. I commend Matt without hesitation, and with great gratitude.

You are incredible. Out of all the contractors I have worked with, you are by far the most genuine and lovely. The random calls from my staff, random texts and PMs from me — you always make time for us and you do it selflessly. You are one of a kind. I genuinely appreciate all you are and all you do.

Met Matt on Best Practice forum. He had great answers regarding my problems/issues with Best Practice. Needed to have new server, discussed with him - I was able get a great deal for my Dell server. To install / commission change over to new server, he came all the way from Queensland to Shepparton, Victoria. He finished all commissioning work in 2 days, with no down time. In 5 years since commissioning the new server he continues to offer great IT support, always available and promptly fixing issues. This entire period there was no time loss due to server down time in this seven day per week medical practice. His fees are very reasonable. Quality of support has no match. I would very strongly recommend him for any IT work. His contract is so open you can walk away any time you want. I wish him all the best.

I have known Matt in the medical industry for more than 7 years. Although we have never worked together commercially, I have seen him help and answer thousands of industry-related questions over that time. His knowledge spans technology, software, practice operations, recommendations, and government legislation. Healthcare regulations and Medicare requirements change frequently, yet Matt consistently stays up to date and shares accurate, practical advice with those seeking guidance. In all the years I have known him, I cannot recall a single instance where he provided incorrect advice. I have personally learned a great deal about the medical industry from Matt. Based on his ability to quickly understand complex environments, I am confident that regardless of the industry he works in, he will grasp the fundamentals, identify the key challenges, and provide appropriate, well-considered solutions.

I first met Matt in 2012 when I opened my first practice. Matt was amazing. In three days he set up my computer hardware, organised the installation of Best Practice and then gave all of us training about how to get things running. I think I got a weeks worth of work in three days. It was very practical and much needed advice.
I have subsequently had him visit to give us a practice check-up. He gave me valuable insight into the performance of our administration team. Once again his breadth of experience and knowledge was of great benefit to me as a practice owner.
His knowledge of the working of Best Practice is really second to none in Australia.
Matt has run multiple practices as a practice manager and practice owner. He can see things from the perspective of the owner and manager.
If you need help setting up a practice or providing some training or auditing of your administration team I couldn't recommend him highly enough.

The only downside is that he is a Queenslander ;)

Matt Gilchrist has been our practice management consultant, bookkeeper and general “practice fixer” for over the past 12 months.

Matt has what I consider to be unique skills in general practice management which combine his business management background, an intimate knowledge of practice software and his experience both as a practice manager and owner. Matt has helped me gain much better control by making our systems more robust and accountable. As the person ultimately responsible for the practice (and it’s bills) this has given me a lot of confidence. Problems which would have been difficult and time consuming for our staff to manage have been dealt with easily, effectively and very promptly by Matt. He’s a “straight shooter” and doesn’t take “that’s the way we usually do it” for an answer, allowing us to optimise our processes and anticipate problems before they are realised. This has allowed us to operate a better and more efficient general practice.

Matt is also very reliable and has been keen to be involved in meetings, always responding quickly and reliably to requests. General practice is at the end of the day a small business, but it’s a rarity to find people who have a background primarily in business management directly involved. Matt provides us with a business “edge” to our practice, allowing us more time to concentrate on what we’re good at which is patient care. His skills really help to “plug the gap” between were our accountant ends and our practice manager begins.

We’re looking forward to continuing our association with Matt Gilchrist into the future. He’s now an invaluable member of our practice.