Welcome Sanford’s New Chief Medical Officer, Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA, has joined Sanford Behavioral Health as Chief Medical Officer. We sat down with Sanford’s new CMO to discuss how he will approach the role, why he chose Sanford, and how he intends to bridge critical gaps in access to high-quality mental health care in our region and beyond.
One of the many refreshing things to discover when you spend time with Dr. Singla is that this accomplished individual is also approachable and grounded. He has outside interests and a keen desire to take good care of his two daughters. When asked how he identifies himself, Dr. Singla says, “My identity is very much tied to the fact that I am a dad. I want to be a good dad; I think about it every day.”
It is not surprising that Dr. Singla is a good fit for Sanford Behavioral Health. He has collaborated with Sanford for many years, watching it grow from a single program into a behavioral health system offering multiple levels of care along the continuum. Additionally, he and CEO Tracy Rogers share a similar approach to patient and staff care. Both believe that the best care occurs when providers feel supported and heard. They agree that a key part of their responsibility is investing in the development and well-being of Sanford’s teams.
“With Dr. Singla’s arrival, we welcome not just a leader, but a spark of passion that ignites innovation, elevates care, and inspires us all to pursue excellence in healthcare. Together, we’re not just treating patients, we’re transforming lives.” Tracy Rogers, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Announcing Chief Medical Officer, Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA
Dr. Singla, in the hallway at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus.
SBH: Welcome, Dr. Singla! Let’s start by talking about your 15+ years of experience. You have a lot of post-nominals.
Dr. Singla: [Smiles] I am triple board certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and HALM (Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management). I also have industry certifications as a FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives), CPE (Certified Physician Executives), and FAPA (Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association).
In my previous role as Vice President Medical Director, I oversaw 250 inpatient psychiatric hospital beds (adults and children), 140 residential beds, a psychiatric urgent care clinic, partial hospitalization programs (general and specialized), and crisis residential programs. My special interest in addiction treatment has included caring for patients across acute, residential, and outpatient settings, as well as working with payors and policy makers to improve access to care and quality. I also represented the organization in media engagements, cultivated referral networks, and developed strategic community partnerships to advance its visibility and outreach.
SBH: What did you take away from that experience that will be beneficial in your new role at Sanford?
Dr. Singla: In preparation for my new role, I have been reflecting on what shapes a career in healthcare. It always comes back to people. An organization’s culture is built on everyday actions. I have been able to lead only because others have given me space to learn and grow. Nurses, techs, and front-line staff stood shoulder to shoulder with me. I have made it through the busiest days because colleagues shared the load.
Even with all the technologies we discuss and deploy, healthcare is a deeply human profession. It is grounded in person-to-person connection and empathy between patients and those who care for them, and, just as importantly, among colleagues on the care team.
SBH: Why Sanford Behavioral Health?
Dr. Singla: Joining Sanford is a natural next step in my commitment to advancing compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment and strengthening the behavioral health continuum for our community. Our mission and values align. I am passionate about helping community members through moments of crisis and, just as importantly, about building programs and services that prevent future crises.
It has been my privilege to help build, grow, and improve behavioral health programs. I have also collaborated with media and community partners to elevate the conversation about mental health and addiction, which I intend to continue. There is tremendous potential in the people of this organization. I believe Sanford will grow to fill critical gaps in access to high-quality, sustainable mental health services.
SBH: Please speak to the benefits of Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus.
Dr. Singla: Behavioral health care is not one-size-fits-all: it is dynamic. By bringing multiple levels of mental health, substance use, and eating disorder care together on a single campus, we can continuously assess and adjust care in real time. Our campus model is not only structural but also functional, with natural touch points for our teams that ensure safe transitions of care.
SBH: How will you approach your role as Chief Medical Officer at Sanford?
Dr. Singla: Individuals who seek mental health care have often crossed hundreds of invisible mental barriers before they make the first call. Research shows that stigma recurs throughout the process. In my role as CMO, I will ensure that care is not only clinically excellent but also welcoming and respectful. From the moment someone calls us, I want them to feel known, expected, and cared for. This means paying attention to how we listen, how our teams communicate, and how easily patients and families can access the help they need.
What excites me about this role is the opportunity for accelerated growth that never loses sight of our clients’ needs. My approach is to pair clinical expertise with data-driven decision making. In other words, as we grow, we will grow responsibly, protecting quality and strengthening our teams. Ultimately, I want every team member to be able to say, “I know how my work improves the lives of our patients.” I want our clients to feel that Sanford was built around their needs.
The serial hobbyist on a scuba trip.
SBH: You are a self-described “serial hobbyist.” What does that mean?
Dr. Singla: As a serial hobbyist, I get into activities (paddleboarding, mountain biking) and become more than a novice, but way less than an expert. Then I move on. Scuba, however, is sticking, and I travel to Mexico or the Florida Keys every year in May. I took a solo trip, and I absolutely loved it and recommend it to everyone. I was keeping a journal of what I saw, but after a few trips, it felt like too much work. So, I take photographs and have many, many pictures of fish. My photo library is everywhere in the house (e.g., on the living room TV). My daughters, who I am trying to get into scuba diving, scroll through and quickly skip the fish pictures.
SBH: Kids will keep you grounded. Thanks, Dr. Singla. We’re excited for what’s ahead!
Dr. Singla’s Bio
Dr. Singla’s LinkedIn Profile
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, including addiction and eating disorders, click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist today. 24/7 EZ Admissions – talk to a real person, get a free assessment, and start treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-ins welcome.
