About the practice
Implementation science and mixed methods for healthcare innovations that work in practice.
Ames Health Strategies, LLC is an independent health research and consulting practice based in Maryland. The practice brings implementation science and mixed methods research to organizations working to change how healthcare is delivered.
Engagements range from short methodological consults to multi-year evaluation partnerships, working directly with clients or alongside partner organizations.
Services
Qualitative research and analysis
Interview and focus group design, codebook development, inter-rater reliability, and thematic analysis.
Implementation science and evaluation
Evaluations that answer whether a program worked and why it did or didn't, including mixed-methods designs for programs already in the field.
Validation studies
Design and analysis of studies that test whether a tool or technology performs as claimed, including accuracy metrics and manuscript preparation.
Training design and evaluation
Curriculum development for health professionals, and evaluation of whether training changes practice, not just knowledge and confidence.
Scientific writing and dissemination
Manuscripts, technical reports, briefs, and conference presentations, often the last mile on a project where the analysis is done.
Who the practice works with
- Health systems
- Professional associations and societies
- Research and academic organizations
- Health technology companies
Selected clients: American College of Lifestyle Medicine · Abt Global · Hatch · TrayVerify
How engagements work
- Retainer for ongoing methodological support at a set level of effort each month.
- Project-based for a scoped deliverable on a fixed timeline.
- Subcontract as a team member on federally and foundation-funded projects.
Not sure which fits? Describe the problem and you'll get an honest answer about whether the practice is the right fit.
About the founder
Meghan Ames, DrPH, RDN
Meghan Ames is a public health researcher and Registered Dietitian with 15 years of expertise in implementation science, lifestyle medicine, and health systems transformation.
Credentials and affiliations
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2025
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) since 2012
- Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Human Nutrition and Certificate in Health Education, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2012
- Previous roles: Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (Research Dietitian); Maryland Department of Health (Obesity Prevention Coordinator); Johns Hopkins Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy (Education Team Lead)
- Member, American Public Health Association (APHA), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
- Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT)
From clinical nutrition to implementation science
Meghan began her career as a research dietitian at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, delivering the Diabetes Prevention Program and watching some patients reach remission through diet and exercise alone. Working one patient at a time, she set out to make a difference at the population level.
Translating evidence into practice
As Obesity Prevention Coordinator at the Maryland Department of Health, Meghan saw first-hand how system-level strategies drive the adoption and sustainability of programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program. To help health professionals put evidence-based interventions into practice, she returned to school and earned a DrPH in implementation science.
How training enables lifestyle medicine in health systems
In partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Meghan's dissertation used qualitative methods to identify facilitators and barriers to lifestyle medicine, with a focus on professional education. She also evaluated an online training program for health professionals, showing that completion was linked to gains in knowledge, confidence, and practice behaviors.
Ready to discuss working together?
Share what you're trying to learn or change, your rough timeline, and how I can help.
A CV or additional work examples are available on request.