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Dr. Richard Malish has been named the first chief medical director of the Arlington County Detention Facility, launching a yearlong transition from contracted health services to a county-run program.

Malish will oversee medical care for people held at the facility and work to ensure treatment meets professional, ethical and evidence-based standards. The newly created position was approved by the Arlington County Board at the request of Sheriff Jose Quiroz.

Quiroz called the appointment the first step toward improving care and bringing the detention facility’s medical program under county management. Over the next 12 months, positions covered by the current medical contract are expected to become county jobs. Falcon Correctional and Community Services Inc. will oversee the transition.

Malish said he looks forward to working with Arlington County Sheriff’s Office employees to pursue the best possible outcomes for people in their care.

A retired U.S. Army colonel, Malish brings more than 30 years of military service and experience in internal medicine, cardiology and military medicine. His career included academic and operational assignments, multiple combat deployments and leadership roles in the Army Medical Corps.

Malish earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Johns Hopkins University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.

He completed an internal medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he was recognized as the most outstanding senior resident, before completing cardiology training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.