New Rhode Island Department of Health Acting Director Brings Expertise and a Commitment to Public Health under Governor McKee’s Leadership

Governor Dan McKee recently announced the appointment of Dr. Staci Fischer as the acting director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). This change comes as Dr. Utpala Bandi prepares to retire on March 29. The governor expressed his gratitude for Bandi’s leadership and service to the people of Rhode Island.

Since Governor McKee took office in 2021, there have been changes in leadership at RIDOH. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott resigned, then Dr. James McDonald as Acting Director, and now Fisher. Fischer, who currently serves as chief administrative officer of the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, will step into the role of acting director. She has been with RIDOH since 2023 and previously spent 15 years practicing at Rhode Island Hospital.

Fisher’s experience includes overseeing the training of medical residents and fellows at Lifespan, serving as director of graduate medical education, and leading the infectious disease fellowship program at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine. She is also board certified in infectious diseases and has held positions on the Council for Accreditation of Graduate Medical Education.

This appointment signals a continued commitment to public health and leadership within the Rhode Island Department of Health under the leadership of Governor Dan McKee.

Dr. Staci Fischer’s new role as acting director comes after a period of changes in leadership at RIDOH under Governor Dan McKee’s administration.

Since taking office in 2021, Governor McKee has seen several changes in leadership within RIDOH, including Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott’s resignation and Dr. James McDonald’s tenure as acting director before being succeeded by Bandy.

Now that Bandy is preparing to retire on March 29th, Fisher will step into his role as acting director.

Fisher brings extensive experience to her new position having been with RIDOH since 2023 and previously spending 15 years practicing medicine at Rhode Island Hospital.

Her expertise includes overseeing medical resident training programs, serving as director of graduate medical education, and leading Brown University’s Warren Alpert School’s infectious disease fellowship program.

Fisher is also board certified in infectious diseases and has held positions on the Council for Accreditation of Graduate Medical Education.

Governor McKee expressed gratitude for Bandy’s leadership during his time with RIDOH while acknowledging that this appointment signals a continued commitment to public health under his administration.