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Building Better Systems Through Implementation Science: Terry Flood, MS ’26

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Research has the power to transform lives, but only if it reaches the people who need it. That belief has guided Dr. Terry Flood throughout a career spanning military service, healthcare administration, engineering, and systems integration. When he discovered Dartmouth's Master of Science in Implementation Science program, he found the discipline that gave a name to the work he had been pursuing for decades.

A member of the Geisel School of Medicine’s inaugural Master of Science in Implementation Science cohort, Flood graduated in 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose and a framework for advancing meaningful change. Today, he works as a contractor helping organizations implement evidence-based interventions and operational initiatives with fidelity, ensuring research translates into lasting improvements.

"I had never heard of implementation science until I went on the Internet and saw that Dartmouth was creating a program. Then I understood the reasoning, and I saw this as the bridge to everything that I’ve been trying to accomplish my whole career."

Throughout his professional life, Flood repeatedly observed a common challenge across healthcare systems and organizations: valuable research often failed to translate into change. "We do not need more cowbell – (research papers), we need better understanding, information and communication to make systems work better. Implementation science attempts to solve this problem in a holistic and comprehensive manner."

That philosophy now guides his work. "My experience at Dartmouth taught me how to think, not what to think. It also taught me when, where and what to measure, and what questions should be asked, and in what setting."

Flood now approaches implementation through a broader lens, considering how evidence is communicated, adopted, evaluated, and sustained. Those skills have become invaluable as he helps organizations navigate implementation challenges while remaining focused on improving outcomes for the communities they serve.

One of the most meaningful aspects of his time at Dartmouth was learning alongside professionals from a wide range of disciplines and lived experiences. Those interactions influenced how he thinks about healthcare systems and the people they affect.

"The thing that stood out to me most about my time at Dartmouth was the ability to communicate and network and learn from a diverse audience of people from different fields and experiences. This opened up my personal and social aperture and defined the way that I think about systems of system problems, and how they impact people in the real world, and how policy must be considered, and finally how sustainment should not be an afterthought, but one of the first things that you think of when implementing."

His Dartmouth capstone project reflected both his professional experience and his personal commitment to service. The project focused on using evidence-based interventions and digital solutions to address veteran suicide and connect veterans with their communities. Through this work, Flood applied implementation science principles to an issue that has personal significance and reinforced his commitment to ensuring research translates into meaningful improvements in health outcomes.

Flood is especially grateful for the support of his classmates and faculty throughout the program, crediting the collaborative learning environment with making the experience truly transformative. He extends special thanks to Jeremiah Brown, PhD, MS, and Gayle Cohen, M.Ed., for their guidance and support throughout the journey.

Looking back, Flood describes the program as especially impactful. 

"Out of the five masters degrees that I have, this one feels most impactful. It was so informative, and delivered in a way that allows me to lead organizations with intentionality while changing the lives of my community."

His advice for future students reflects the mindset that has defined both his military and professional careers.

"Be where your feet are, don’t be afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, but also be prepared to counter with facts. Get it counterfactual? OK, I’ll quit now."

Now retired from military service, Flood is focused on teaching, coaching, and applying the lessons learned through his career and Dartmouth experience. Coupled with his military retirement and graduate education, he sees this next chapter as an opportunity to continue living a purpose-driven life.

"My goal is to empower individuals, enhance communities, and ensure that research translates into real-world applications."

As implementation science continues to grow, Flood hopes to remain an active contributor to the field while continuing his collaboration with Dartmouth. For him, graduation marked not an endpoint, but the beginning of an enduring commitment to create meaningful impact in the world. 

Written By: Mia Soucy

POSTED 7/21/2026 AT 10:17 AM IN #implementation science #alumni