Governor Dan McKee recently announced the appointment of a new acting director at the Rhode Island Department of Health. This change comes as Dr. Utpala Bandy prepares to retire on March 29th, and marks the latest in a series of leadership changes at RIDOH under Governor McKee’s tenure.
Since taking office in 2021, Governor McKee has brought about changes in leadership at RIDOH. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott resigned, followed by Dr. James McDonald serving as acting director, and now Bandy. The final stages of hiring a permanent RIDOH director are underway, and in the meantime, Dr. Staci Fischer has been appointed as the acting director.
Fischer brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline since 2023. She previously spent 15 years practicing at Rhode Island Hospital and has held positions with the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education.
Fischer’s experience includes overseeing the training of medical residents and fellows at Lifespan, serving as the Director of Graduate Medical Education, and leading the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. She is also board-certified in infectious diseases, demonstrating her expertise in public health matters.
Governor McKee expressed his gratitude for Bandy’s leadership and service to the people of Rhode Island, stating that this appointment signals a continued commitment to public health and leadership within the Rhode Island Department of Health under his guidance. With Fischer’s appointment as acting director, RIDOH remains committed to continuing its efforts to improve public health outcomes for all residents of Rhode Island.