Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Chief Medical Director
Published on April 10, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va., April 10, 2025 — The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) welcomes Dr. Richard Malish, M.D., as the new Chief Medical Director for the newly created position in the Arlington County Detention Facility. With over 30 years of service in the US Army and an extensive background in military medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology, Dr. Malish brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this critical role.
"I am honored to have Dr. Malish join the sheriff’s office team,” said Arlington County Sheriff Jose Quiroz. “His extensive experience in both operational and clinical medicine, combined with his dedication to service, will greatly enhance the medical care and overall well-being of those in our custody. I am committed to improving the medical care for the people who are incarcerated in Arlington, and this is the first step in transitioning from contracted medical care to a county run program led by Dr. Malish."
As the new Chief Medical Director, Dr. Malish will oversee the medical care provided to individuals housed in the Arlington County Detention Facility (ACDF), ensuring they receive high-quality, evidence-based healthcare that meets professional and ethical standards.
Dr. Malish expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Arlington County community in this capacity. Providing quality healthcare in a correctional setting is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I look forward to working with the dedicated professionals at the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in our care."
The Chief Medical Director for the detention facility is a newly created position that was approved by the County Board at the request of Sheriff Quiroz. Over the next 12 months, the sheriff’s office will transition all positions under the current medical contract to county positions. Falcon Correctional and Community Services Inc, will oversee the transition from contracted medical care to a county run program which is set to begin with the hiring of Dr. Malish.
Dr. Malish is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and was elected into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He went on to obtain his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society. Over the course of his distinguished military career, Dr. Malish has served in both academic and operational capacities, including multiple combat deployments and leadership roles within the U.S. Army Medical Corps, retiring after 30 years of service with the rank of Colonel.
Dr. Malish completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he was recognized as the “Most Outstanding Senior Resident,” and later trained in Cardiology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His command assignments have included leadership positions at Winn Army Community Hospital, Army Health Clinic – SOUTHCOM, and the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Lab. Prior to joining the ACSO, he served as the Army Surgeon General’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Quality and Safety and as Commander of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.
About Arlington County Sheriff’s Office
The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency located in Northern Virginia. The ACSO has approximately 280 employees, both deputy sheriffs and civilian staff, who serve a population of 240,900 county residents. Arlington Deputy Sheriffs perform duties in corrections, inmate transportation, civil process service, and courtroom/courthouse security. For more information, please visit the Sheriff's Office webpage or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X/Twitter.
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