McDonald to Step Down as Interim Director of Department of Health

GoLocalProv News Team

McDonald to Step Down as Interim Director of Department of Health

PHOTO: Dr. McDonald (right) in a prior appearance on GoLocal LIVE.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced on Thursday that Dr. James McDonald, MD, MPH, will be stepping down as the Interim Director at the Department of Health.

According to McKee's office, the decision was made by McDonald so that he can "focus on emerging healthcare needs of his family." His last day of State service will be July 29, 2022. He will continue as Interim Director while the Governor identifies a successor.

McDonald had stepped into the interim role following the departure of Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

“Dr. McDonald has provided steady leadership to our state and great counsel to me as we continued our work to manage COVID-19,” said McKee. “Rhode Islanders have come to know, love and trust Dr. McDonald for his easy-to-understand explanations and simple tips. Thanks to Dr. McDonald and his team, we know we have the tools to keep ourselves and our families safe. I thank Dr. McDonald for stepping up and taking on this interim position. We will be keeping his family in our thoughts.”

“As I shared in the letter I wrote to the Governor, this was a very difficult decision for me and my family,” said McDonald. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve in this capacity; however, at this time, I need to put the needs of my family first. I will always have wonderful and warm memories of my time spent here in this great state. I want to thank my colleagues at RIDOH for all the wonderful work they have done and for the important work I know they will continue to do.”

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.