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Meet the Team!
RIVER Professional Team Spotlights 2025-2026
Douglas Gross M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Director of RIVER
Professor of Teaching, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics
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Michael Lucien M.D., M.P.H.
Speciality: General Pediatrics
UCDH Clinic Medical Director Midtown Pediatrics - Natomas
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Mia Wright M.D., M.P.H.
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Specialties: Family and Community Medicine
Tristan Allen
Tristan graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of the Pacific in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He comes to UC Davis School of Medicine with an interest in Orthopedic Surgery, which he plans to pursue throughout medical school. Since his admission, Tristan has joined UC Davis Flu Crew, Aggie Pre-Med Mentorship student interest group, the admissions committee, and was selected as Co-Manager of the RIVER Pediatric Clinic.
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What inspired you to work with RIVER?
I have always loved working with the pediatric population. As a babysitter in high school, I found unique ways to keep children engaged by baking and cooking with them and encouraged creativity through play by channeling my theatre background. There is nothing more special, in my mind, than seeing a child smile when you’ve done something to make their day. I see it as a responsibility to foster the health and well-being of all children and was inspired by how much RIVER still can grow.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
I am privileged to have the opportunity to impact the lives of children through RIVER. My North Star has been to get people back to better for themselves and their family. To that end, I am excited to give our students and patients the best health care we can so they can focus on doing what they love with who they love.
Le'Airra Bullingor
Le’Airra Bullingor is a physician assistant student at UC Davis with a Biology degree from UCLA. She has experience working at an urgent care and as a behavioral therapy tech, working with kids and teens with autism.
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
I was inspired to work with RIVER because I wanted to contribute to underserved communities and provide free care to kids. I hope to work in primary care and I wanted to work with the pediatric population to gain meaningful hands on experience.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
I love working with kids because they add so much liveliness to the day. I do my best to make them feel comfortable and hope to make their appointment as pleasant as possible. I enjoy being part of a team who are all dedicated to using our skills to give back to others.
Sunny Dhillon
Sunny Dhillon is currently a first year medical student at UC Davis. She grew up in the Sacramento area and attended UC Berkeley for her undergrad where she studied integrative biology.
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
I was inspired to work with RIVER because of my own experience growing up with a rare disease. The support and attentiveness of my pediatric care team had a lasting impact on my life, and it inspired me give back to the same community that helped me. My experience working in pediatric research further fueled my interest in working with RIVER, as I enjoy interacting with children and their families, and teaching them more about their health. Joining RIVER feels like a way for me to bring together my own story, the things I’ve learned, and the skills I’ve built so I can support kids and families in the community I live in.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
Every patient comes with a different story, and it brings you back to why you chose medicine. Kids somehow manage to make you laugh or smile even when they’re not feeling well, and it just shows how resilient they are. I also enjoy how collaborative RIVER is, not just between students but also with the families we work with.
Pablo Figueroa
Pablo Figueroa is a current PA-student at UC Davis with a background of Respiratory Therapy in adults and pediatrics of 6 years.
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
Working in a Children's Hospital has really shaped my love for health care and patients. RIVER Clinic was amazing opportunity to give that back to the community that is providing me with the education and experience to shape the next generation of health care providers.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
Every patient has a unique story and personality. Getting to know them is a blessing and im grateful to be a part of the journey.
Alec Foster
Alec foster is a first year medical student at UC Davis. Alec graduated from Sacramento State with a degree in Kinesiology in 2021. Alec worked as an EMT and a volunteer with Folsom's hope during his gap years. Alec has current medical interests in pediatrics, PM&R, emergency medicine and neurology
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
During my gap years, I had the opportunity to tutor and mentor elementary and middle school students. Building relationships with children at this stage of development and watching their confidence and skills grow over time was incredibly meaningful to me. Being apart of RIVER Clinic allows me to continue engaging with pediatric patients in a supportive environment where I can combine my interest in pediatrics with my passion for mentorship and service.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
The teamwork stands out most to me. The collaborative environment encourages learning while pushing each of us to grow as providers. I also love working with pediatric patients—each child has a unique personality and background, and it’s incredibly rewarding to get to know them while helping address their medical concerns.
Clarissa Heredia
Clarissa Heredia is a first-year medical student at UC Davis School of Medicine. She earned a dual B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Art Practice from UC Berkeley. Over the past eight years, she has volunteered in nonprofit clinics and supported clinical research throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento. In her free time, Clarissa enjoys reading, watching the X-Men movies, and hanging out with her 3 younger brothers.
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
Growing up in Sacramento, I am passionate about supporting the health and wellness of my community. I am especially drawn to caring for children due to my family’s experience with pediatric cancer. Our care team went above and beyond to educate and empower us, allowing us to feel informed and confident in our decisions. Their compassion inspired me to volunteer in pediatric outpatient clinics and hospitals, where I strive to bring comfort and joy to children and their families.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
I love the way our team comes together with a shared commitment to provide patient-centered care. I especially value the opportunity to connect with patients, learning from their experiences and sharing laughter along the way. Working alongside my peers has also been incredibly meaningful, as their guidance helps me grow into a more holistic and compassionate physician.
Laura Sainz Merin
Laura Sainz Merin is a first-year medical student and a part of the UC Davis SOM's TEACH-MS Program that focuses on serving patients from urban underserved areas. She graduated from UCLA with a B.S. In Psychological Sciences and a minor in Spanish. Laura has also worked with rural migrant communities throughout the Central Valley in research that focuses on the impact of the community health workers and their role in preventative health education.
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
Coming from a medically underserved community, I saw the impact that a lack of healthcare access can have on children and their families. Making healthcare accessible to all children is a goal that I wish to continue with my work at RIVER. Oftentimes, going to the doctor can feel like a scary and intimidating experience, but I believe that having that one health provider that shows they care can make a difference. I hope I can be someone that makes a difference in children's lives even if it means being a little less scared of going to the doctor's.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
I enjoy the teamwork and the great dynamics that we have with each other to help patients receive the care they deserve. All the patients that come in allow us to become better and learn to be amazing health providers. I hope to be able to continue to serve patients like them in the future as a pediatrician. Taking all the experiences and lessons I learned as a student doctor at RIVER.
Landon Swopes
Landon Swopes is a first year medical student and part of UC Davis SOM's Tribal Health Program for students interested in serving indigenous communities. Landon graduated from Stanford in 2024 and attended Northwestern Pritzker School of Law for a masters until 2025. Outside of school, he enjoys playing tennis and baking!
What inspired you to work with RIVER?
I grew up as the oldest sibling and cousin and have been helping take care of kids for most of my life! I knew very early on that I wanted to continue to do this in medicine through pediatric care. RIVER Clinic is an amazing opportunity to give back to the community and continue my medical education.
What do you enjoy most about working with our students and patients?
I love meeting the variety of patients we can see, from toddlers to teenagers. Every patient has their own story and personality! It is an incredible opportunity to get to know each one of them and I'm grateful to be a part of their care.