New Acting Director Appointed at Rhode Island Department of Health as Dr. Utpala Bandy Prepares to Retire

In a recent announcement, Governor Dan McKee’s office revealed 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. The Governor expressed his gratitude for Bandy’s leadership and service to the people of Rhode Island. While the final stages of hiring a permanent RIDOH director are underway, Dr. Staci Fischer has been appointed as the acting director.

Fischer is no stranger to changes in leadership at the RIDOH, having served as Chief Administrative Officer since 2023. She previously spent 15 years practicing at Rhode Island Hospital and has experience overseeing medical residents and fellows, serving as Director of Graduate Medical Education, and leading infectious disease fellowship programs at Lifespan and the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University.

Fischer is also board-certified in infectious diseases and has held positions with the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education, making her a valuable addition to the RIDOH team. This appointment signals a continued commitment to public health and leadership within the Rhode Island Department of Health under Governor Dan McKee’s guidance.