AHRQ Mourns the Loss of Deputy Director David Meyers, M.D.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality joins the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) family and others across the healthcare industry in mourning the loss of David Meyers, who passed away peacefully on July 2 at home with his wife, Hannah, and son, Abraham (Abe), at his side following a five-year battle with glioblastoma. David played numerous key roles at AHRQ over his nearly 20-year tenure with the Agency, and he was a treasured colleague, mentor, and friend.

David joined AHRQ in 2004 and was a driving force behind key Agency accomplishments in producing evidence to improve primary care and achieve the Agency’s mission of making health care safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable. He was appointed Deputy Director in February 2020 and served as AHRQ’s Acting Director from January 2021 to February 2022.

Before he was appointed Deputy Director, he served as AHRQ’s first chief physician. He directed EvidenceNOW, AHRQ’s initiative to help primary care practices improve their patients' heart health through quality improvement support and the implementation of new evidence. At AHRQ, David also directed the Agency’s Center for Primary Care, Prevention and Clinical Partnerships and established its Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement. He also directed the Agency’s Practice-Based Research Network initiatives and served as the Acting Scientific Director for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

David’s impact at AHRQ is immeasurable, and he leaves a legacy that advances quality improvement in primary care practice, utilization of clinical preventative services, and trust in the physician-patient relationship. He was the epitome of a public servant who embodied the principles we all strive for: honesty, integrity, scholarship, and wisdom.

You may read more about David’s background and accomplishments on an In Memoriam page on AHRQ’s website. You can also read his narrative about his deep love of family, his battle with glioblastoma, and his living life meaningfully.

Our hearts go out to David’s family, especially Hannah and Abe, and those who knew and loved him. All of us at AHRQ will cherish our memories of David and pledge to continue the legacy of excellence and accomplishment he helped to establish.

Dr. Valdez is Director of AHRQ.

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