Gov. Dan McKee has announced Dr. Staci Fischer as the acting director for the Rhode Island Department of Health, effective immediately. Fischer, who currently serves as the chief administrative officer for the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, will fill in as the acting director while the state continues its search for a permanent health director.
Fischer has been working for the health department since July 2023 and also serves as one of the state’s medical directors. She has previously practiced at Rhode Island Hospital for 15 years and has experience overseeing training for medical residents and fellows. Her resume includes positions as the director of the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, and with the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education. Fischer graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and completed her doctorate in medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine.
Bandy, who has served as interim health director since June 2023, gave notice in January of her intent to resign from state office effective March 29. The search for a permanent health director is ongoing, with the state in the final stages of the hiring process, according to Olivia DaRocha, a McKee spokesperson.