Gov. Dan McKee has appointed Dr. Staci Fischer as the acting director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, effective March 29th. Fischer will replace interim state health director Dr. Utpala Bandy who gave notice of her resignation on the same day. The search for a permanent health director is ongoing with the final stages of the hiring process underway.
Fischer currently serves as the chief administrative officer for the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and has been with the health department since July 2023. She has a strong background in medicine, having practiced at Rhode Island Hospital for 15 years and overseeing training for medical residents and fellows for Lifespan Corporation.
Her resume is filled with awards, publications, and various leadership positions within the medical community. With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tulane University and a doctorate in medicine from Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Fischer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role as acting health director.
Gov. McKee has proposed a salary increase for the health director position to make it more attractive to potential candidates, with a proposed salary of $250,000 effective in April (pending legislative approval). Fischer’s appointment will allow for a smooth transition as the state continues to search for a permanent health director.
It is unclear if Fischer is among the contenders for the permanent director role or if she will be serving only as an interim appointment until someone else is hired.
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott was the last person to hold the title of health director and stepped down in January 2022, leaving Bandy to take over as interim state health director until someone else could be found.
The search for a permanent health director has been ongoing since then but there have been no announcements about any candidates yet.
