Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
To prevent disease and protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Department of Health gained accreditation in November 2015. Being accredited means we are committed to transparency, accountability, and a culture of continuous quality improvement so that we can better serve our customers and help ensure that everyone has an equal chance to live in a healthy community. more
James McDonald, MD, MPH, is the Interim Director at the Rhode Island Department of Health. He manages the day-to-day responsibilities of the Director while the search for a permanent candidate is ongoing.
Dr. McDonald has served at RIDOH as a Medical Director and as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline since 2012. He has helped steer the State response to the drug overdose crisis, and he has been a key member of Rhode Island’s COVID-19 leadership team since 2019. Prior to his time at RIDOH, Dr. McDonald served as the Director of Health Services for the Naval Health Clinic New England in Newport.
He earned his medical degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, he did his pediatric residency in the US Navy, and he did his preventive medicine residency through the State University of New York. He earned his MPH from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Dr. McDonald is board certified in pediatrics and preventive medicine. His diverse career includes serving as an officer in the US Navy.