Siena College is honored to recognize Dr. James V. McDonald, class of 1986, on the occasion of its 84th Commencement for his lifetime of achievements as a civic leader and humanitarian.
James V. McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., was appointed Acting Commissioner of Health for New York State on January 1, 2023 and confirmed as the Commissioner by the State Senate on June 10, 2023. Prior to joining the New York State Department of Health in July of 2022, Dr. McDonald served at the Rhode Island Department of Health since 2012.
At the Rhode Island Department of Health, he served in multiple roles including, Interim Director of Health, Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, Medical Director for the COVID unit, as well as the Medical Director for the center for Customer Service and the Drug Overdose Prevention Program. He was also a member of the Governor's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force. Dr. McDonald has faculty appointments at the Brown School of Public Health as well as the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Dr. McDonald earned his M.D. from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, his M.P. H. from the University of Chapel Hill, and his B.S. in Biology from Siena College. He completed his pediatric residency in the U.S. Navy, and his preventative medicine residency with the State University of New York. Dr. McDonald is board certified in pediatrics as well as preventative medicine.
His diverse career includes officership in the U.S. Navy as well as private practice in rural areas where health care shortages existed. Dr. McDonald also served in the Indian Health Service in the Navajo Nation, serving as Medical Director of Outpatient Medicine in Chinle, Arizona.
In recognition of his noble life of service to others as a physician, serving marginalized communities and our society, Siena College awards Dr. James V. McDonald, class of 1986, the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters.