Media Contact:
Mikel Wadewitz
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
401-369-9206
mikelw@thundermisthealth.org
For Immediate Release
Thundermist Health Center Appoints Jeffrey Gaines, MD, MHCM, FACEP, as New Chief Medical Officer
Woonsocket, RI (April 22, 2026)–Thundermist Health Center is proud to announce that Jeffrey Gaines, MD, MHCM, FACEP, has joined the organization as its new chief medical officer. The appointment was made after a monthslong, comprehensive, national search. He succeeds Dr. David Bourassa, who had served as chief medical officer since 1998 and who will continue to provide patient care as a pediatrician at the Thundermist’s Woonsocket health center.
Before joining Thundermist, Dr. Gaines served as chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs at Newport Hospital, part of Brown University Health. He is also currently an assistant professor of medical science at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
“Dr. Gaines is not only an experienced physician and leader, but he also understands the healthcare needs of Rhode Islanders and the barriers many face in accessing care,” Chuck Jones, president and CEO of Thundermist, says. “His background in emergency medicine will complement the work we do in community health, often serving patients with complex needs. His commitment to patient care and his record as a collaborative leader who inspires his teams are impressive. We’re excited to welcome him to the Thundermist team.”
In his new role, Dr. Gaines will lead a team of more than 100 providers across three locations and oversee all aspects of clinical operations. Thundermist currently employs more than 650 individuals and serves more than 65,000 patients across the state. Thundermist provides services to everyone regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
“What stands out most to me about Thundermist is its mission to remove barriers and deliver exceptional care—and its deep commitment to creating an environment where every team member can make the greatest possible impact,” Dr. Gaines says. “After more than 16 years of living in Rhode Island and raising my family here, I’m honored to join this incredible organization and its dedicated team. I’m excited to listen, learn, and partner in support of the communities we serve.”
Dr. Gaines earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan, completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and received a Master of Health Care Management from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He has served as the chair of the board of Coastal Medical and chair of the Brown University Health Wellness and Resiliency Council. He is also a board member of the American College of Healthcare Executives of Rhode Island and is a fellow at the American College of Emergency Physicians. He lives in Barrington, RI, with his wife, an emergency physician, and two children.
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Thundermist Health Center is a full-service primary care provider that also offers dental and behavioral health services. The nonprofit community health center aims to improve the health of patients and communities by delivering exceptional healthcare and removing barriers to that care. Thundermist has locations in West Warwick, Woonsocket, and South County and also operates Convenient Care walk-in medical services. Thundermist provides services regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. In 2025, Thundermist cared for more than 65,000 patients. Learn more at thundermisthealth.org or @thundermisthc.