Wood River Health is proud to announce the promotions of two respected clinical leaders, Lisa Menard-Manlove, MD, FAAFP, MHM, and Shital Desai, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to clinical excellence, leadership development and high-quality patient care. These appointments reflect Wood River Health’s long-standing philosophy of investing in talented team members and creating opportunities for growth from within the organization.
As healthcare continues to evolve, strong clinical leadership is critical to ensuring patients receive the highest quality care while maintaining access to essential services. Wood River Health’s leadership team is focused on meeting the changing needs of patients and communities across southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut through innovation, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care.
“These promotions reflect our commitment to developing leaders from within and ensuring the highest quality care for our patients,” said Alison L. Croke, President and CEO of Wood River Health.
Together, Dr. Menard-Manlove and Desai will help guide the clinical vision of the organization while supporting providers, advancing quality initiatives and strengthening the care experience for patients.
Dr. Lisa Menard-Manlove Named Chief Medical Officer
After more than 22 years of dedicated service to Wood River Health, Lisa Menard-Manlove, MD, FAAFP, MHM, has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer. Throughout her tenure, she has built a reputation as a compassionate physician, trusted mentor and collaborative leader who consistently places patients at the center of care. Dr. Meynard-Manlove has played an instrumental role in provider development, quality improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary care coordination across the organization.
In her new role, Dr. Menard-Manlove will provide strategic oversight of medical services, clinical quality programs and the provider team. She will work closely with leadership and staff to strengthen patient outcomes, expand access to care and identify innovative approaches to delivering primary care in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Over the course of two decades, Dr. Menard-Manlove has cared for generations of local families, developing deep relationships within the communities Wood River Health serves. Her extensive clinical experience, coupled with her understanding of the organization’s mission and values, positions her to lead the medical team into the future while preserving the compassionate, community-focused care that has defined Wood River Health for nearly 50 years.
Shital Desai Promoted to Associate Medical Director
Wood River Health has also promoted Shital Desai, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, to Associate Medical Director. Desai has been a valued member of the clinical team and has demonstrated a strong commitment to patient care, provider collaboration and continuous quality improvement.
As Associate Medical Director, Desai will work closely with Dr. Menard-Manlove and the clinical leadership team to advance organizational quality goals, support provider engagement and strengthen clinical care delivery throughout the health center. Her leadership will help ensure that Wood River Health continues to provide coordinated, evidence-based care that meets the diverse needs of patients and families.
Desai’s promotion reflects the growing role that advanced practice providers play in delivering accessible, patient-centered healthcare. Her perspective and expertise will contribute to ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among medical providers and improve outcomes across the organization.
Investing in the Future of Community Health
These leadership appointments come at an important time for community health centers nationwide as they address increasing demand for services, workforce challenges and evolving patient needs. By elevating experienced clinical leaders from within, Wood River Health is ensuring continuity of care while strengthening its ability to adapt and grow.
The promotions also reinforce the organization’s commitment to cultivating leadership talent and creating pathways for professional advancement. Team members who understand Wood River Health’s mission, culture and communities bring valuable insight to leadership roles, helping maintain strong connections between organizational strategy and patient care.
With Dr. Menard-Manlove serving as Chief Medical Officer and Desai as Associate Medical Director, Wood River Health is well positioned to continue advancing its mission of providing high-quality, compassionate and affordable healthcare for all.
As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, these leaders will play a key role in shaping the future of care, supporting providers and ensuring that patients continue to receive the comprehensive, patient-centered services they need to thrive.
