Governor Dan McKee has recently appointed Dr. Staci Fischer as the acting director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) during the hiring process for a permanent director. This change in leadership comes after Dr. Utpala Bandy announced her retirement on March 29th, following in the footsteps of Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott who resigned and Dr. James McDonald who served as acting director before her.
Dr. Fischer currently holds the position of Chief Administrative Officer at the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and has been with RIDOH since 2023. With over 15 years of experience practicing at Rhode Island Hospital, she has also overseen medical resident and fellow training for Lifespan and served as the Director of the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Additionally, she holds positions with the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education and is board-certified in infectious diseases.
Governor McKee’s recent changes in leadership reflect his commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of Rhode Island residents through skilled and experienced leadership at RIDOH. With Dr. Fischer now serving as acting director, the state is well-positioned to continue its efforts to promote public health and safety in the face of ongoing challenges.
The appointment of Dr. Fischer as acting director marks a new chapter for RIDOH under Governor McKee’s leadership. As a seasoned healthcare professional with a wealth of experience, she is poised to lead RIDOH through its next phase of growth and development.
Governor McKee’s decision to appoint Dr. Fischer as acting director shows his confidence in her abilities to lead RIDOH effectively during this time of transition. With her extensive background in healthcare administration, infectious disease management, and medical education, she is well-equipped to tackle any challenges that may arise.
The recent changes in leadership at RIDOH are part of Governor McKee’s broader efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for Rhode Island residents. By appointing experienced leaders like Dr
