David K. Ahern, Ph.D., is a distinguished leader in behavioral medicine, healthcare informatics, and digital health innovation, with a career spanning over four decades. His work has shaped the intersection of behavioral science and technology, driving transformative change in patient care, healthcare systems, and public health policy. As a seasoned clinical psychologist, researcher, senior health advisor, and entrepreneur, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing pioneering health solutions that integrate behavioral health with emerging digital tools, improving healthcare accessibility and quality across diverse populations.
Dr. Ahern’s expertise lies in designing and deploying technology-driven solutions that address complex health challenges, particularly in chronic disease management, mental health, and health behavior change. His tenure as a Senior Scientist at Abacus Health Solutions has been marked by the development of evidence-based programs for diabetes management, obesity treatment, and cardiovascular health. Through his leadership, the company has secured over 15 competitive research grants and contracts, positioning itself as a vanguard in translational research and development of commercially viable products and services.
Dr. Ahern’s contributions extend to academia and research. As an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and a Director at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, he has led groundbreaking studies in behavioral informatics and eHealth, mentoring the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals. His efforts in digital behavioral health research have advanced the integration of artificial intelligence, mobile health (mHealth), and data-driven interventions into routine clinical practice.
His influence in shaping the digital health landscape is further underscored by his role as National Program Director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health e-Technologies Initiative, where he oversaw a $10.3 million research program focused on advancing the science of eHealth. Through this initiative, he facilitated research into digital interventions for health behavior change, chronic disease management, and patient-centered healthcare models, significantly contributing to the evidence base for technology-driven health solutions.
Dr. Ahern’s extensive experience in advisory and leadership roles has positioned him as a key figure in health technology policy. His tenure on multiple boards and committees, including Brigham & Women’s Hospital’s Innovation and Commercialization Committee, the National Cancer Institute’s Health Informatics Research Branch, and the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Technology Special Interest Group, reflects his ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.
As an author and thought leader, Dr. Ahern has contributed extensively to the scientific literature on behavioral medicine, eHealth, and health informatics. His published works, conference presentations, and policy engagements have influenced both academic discourse and real-world healthcare applications, bridging the gap between research and practice.
Through a career defined by relentless innovation, strategic foresight, and a passion for improving healthcare outcomes, David K. Ahern continues to lead the charge in integrating behavioral science with digital health. His dedication to advancing patient-centered care, health equity, and technology-driven interventions underscores his status as a pivotal force in modern healthcare transformation.
Character
David K. Ahern exemplifies integrity and ethical leadership, fostering trust and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams while maintaining a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare solutions with transparency and accountability.
Knowledge
With a profound depth of expertise in behavioral medicine, healthcare informatics, and digital health, David K. Ahern has spent decades pioneering research and developing evidence-based strategies that integrate technology with patient-centered care.
Strategic
David K. Ahern possesses a visionary mindset that has driven the successful implementation of large-scale healthcare initiatives, leveraging emerging trends and innovative approaches to transform behavioral health and digital healthcare systems.
Communication
An articulate and engaging communicator, David K. Ahern effectively bridges complex scientific concepts with practical applications, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and driving meaningful advancements in healthcare policy, research, and technology.
