ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Pediatric Residency Program
Pediatric Chief Residents
Alisha Mathalikunnel, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I was looking for a smaller program that was academic but also community focused, where the residents had autonomy but with good faculty support, and with interesting opportunities outside of the wards like advocacy and community health. On interview day, I loved my interactions with the friendly and funny residents, faculty, and staff. The pre-interview dinner was the most fun of all interview season. I also love Sacramento and am happy to be close to my home in the bay area. After interviewing at the program, it was clear that it would be a perfect fit for me.
Clinical Area of Interest: Hospitalist medicine, infectious diseases, emergency medicine, or critical care
Hobbies: Going outside, cooking and baking, traveling, reading
Christina Callas, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I choose UC Davis because I loved the more intimate program, and I was struck by how close the residents and faculty were on my interview day. Everyone I met was excited to be at Davis, and I knew this would be an amazing place to learn to be a great pediatrician and advocate for my future patients. Sacramento also felt like the perfect place to do residency--easy access to outdoor activities, great food scene, and close to my partner's family.
Clinical Area of Interest: Neonatology, cardiology, hospital medicine
Hobbies: Baking, eating baked goods, playing tennis, running, biking, learning piano
Kylie Abeson, M.D.
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: UC Davis
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
Having completed medical school at UC Davis, I knew this program would be a great fit. With an interest in healthcare policy and legislature, I love being close to the capitol and having the opportunity to engage in media advocacy. The faculty and residents at Davis are truly remarkable, and I am thrilled to be joining their team!
Clinical Areas of Interest: PEM, NICU
Hobbies: Kayaking, hiking, furniture rehabilitation, running with my pup!
Sara Brundage, D.O.
Undergraduate School: Dartmouth College
Medical School: A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I was initially drawn to the program’s wonderful blend of academic medicine and community health/advocacy, especially opportunities in legislative advocacy. Additionally, I was confident that with the large catchment area, I would be exposed to diverse pathologies and patient populations. Equally important, I was impressed by how much the residents supported one another, and with a medium-sized class, I felt like it would be the perfect environment for me to learn and grow as a pediatric resident. Sacramento is also an amazing city – great food and craft brewery scene, lots of outdoor activities, and fantastic weather year-round!
Clinical Areas of Interest: General outpatient pediatrics, hospitalist medicine, community health and advocacy.
Hobbies: Hiking, trying new food and restaurants, wine, exercising, playing and photographing my dog, spending time with friends and family
Rachel Caynak, M.D.
Undergraduate School: University of California, Davis
Medical School: University of California, Davis
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I love the UC Davis Program because of the diversity of the Sacramento population, wide catchment area served by the health system, and the program’s commitment to child advocacy. I also love the inclusive and supportive environment at UC Davis. I feel welcomed by current residents who are genuine, intelligent, and kind. I’ve been continually impressed by the enthusiasm, devotion to teaching, and warmhearted nature of pediatric faculty at UC Davis. There’s an endless number of dedicated mentors and wonderful role models. I plan to practice as a rural pediatrician in primary care and I am confident that the training I receive at UC Davis will prepare me to be an excellent clinician and a future leader in my community.
Clinical Areas of Interest: General Pediatrics, Child Advocacy
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, taking my dog to the American River, Netflix, shopping, traveling, scuba diving
Jennifer Davis, M.D.
Undergraduate School: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I chose the UC Davis Residency Program because I had a great experience on interview day, and I felt I would be supported throughout residency. The residents and faculty were friendly, welcoming, and seemed happy to be at UC Davis. I was also excited about the program’s unique advocacy opportunities, commitment to community health, and focus on resident wellness. Additionally, I am originally from a small city in the Central Valley and was excited at the prospect of returning to the Central Valley and serving this diverse community.
Clinical Areas of Interest: Hospital Medicine, Pediatric Critical Care, General Pediatrics
Hobbies: Puzzles, board games, hiking, reading, watching movies/shows, baking, petting dogs
Emily Lane, M.D.
Undergraduate School: Reed College
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
On my interview day, I was so excited by the breadth of opportunities in advocacy, community engagement, and research at UC Davis. My interviewers were all incredible people who I was excited to meet face-to-face and work together with. I really could see myself working at UC Davis with such a passionate group of faculty and residents.
Clinical Areas of Interest: Neonatology
Hobbies: Gardening, food preservation, cooking, podcasts
Alex Leegwater, M.D.
Undergraduate School: University of Washington
Medical School: University of California, Davis
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I ultimately decided to stay at UC Davis for my pediatric residency because of the support and mentorship I have here. I am also excited to serve a wide population base with patients from different backgrounds that come from all over the northern California region. Additionally, I have really enjoyed living in Sacramento for the past 4 years and have found it to be filled with welcoming people, delicious food, and tons of fun outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking near Sacramento as well as in Tahoe, San Francisco, and Yosemite.
Clinical Areas of Interest: Neonatology, medical education, global health
Hobbies: Watercolor painting, barre, and baking
Rebecca (Becca) Lynch, M.D.
Undergraduate School: UC San Diego
Medical School: University of Miami
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I chose the UC Davis Residency Program because I had the best feeling coming out of that interview. One of the faculty I interviewed with worked with my former pediatrician, who was a big inspiration for me to become a doctor. I could tell this program had a truly supportive learning environment, and I loved that UC Davis had won an award for community outreach. Also, Sacramento is one of THE most diverse cities in California, and I knew I'd learn a lot from the patient population.
Clinical Areas of Interest: Primary Care, Pediatric Endocrinology
Hobbies: Running, swimming, biking, yoga, and ultimate frisbee
Eliza Matley, M.D.
Undergraduate School: California State University, Stanislaus
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
The UC Davis Pediatric Residency program encompassed all that I wanted in a training program. The PD and faculty blew me away on my interview day with how friendly and compassionate they were. I instantly knew that I wanted them as my mentors. The residents were best friends, clearly happy and loved their program. Sacramento itself is extremely diverse, a beautiful place to live, and, for me, close to my family! The emphasis on community advocacy and legislative work truly drew me to the program as well as the opportunity to train at two amazing FQHCs with such a medically underserved population in a large catchment area won me over. After my interview day, I just knew I wanted to become a part of the UC Davis family!
Clinical Areas of Interest: General Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Hospitalist Medicine
Hobbies: Anything outdoors, finding new cute coffee shops to read at, traveling, and time with family and friends!
Sonam Mokha, M.D.
Undergraduate School: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
When I interviewed at UC Davis, I felt a warmth and a welcoming presence from every single person on my interview day. Even though it was a virtual interview, I could tell that this was a close and supportive community which is one of the main things I was looking for in a residency program. I could tell UC Davis would provide me the resources, support and mentoring I need to pursue my future career goals. Plus, it allowed me the opportunity to come back to California for residency and be closer to my family!
Clinical Areas of Interest: Neonatology, Critical Care, Clinical Research
Hobbies: Dancing, Painting/Sketching, Reading Italian literature, Eating good food & wine
Tammy Ng, M.D.
Undergraduate School: UC Davis
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I fell in love with the Sacramento area during my time as an undergraduate student at UC Davis. Having spent two years volunteering at Paul Hom Asian Clinic, a student-run clinic at UC Davis, I worked closely with several faculty and was impressed by how passionate they were about teaching and caring for underserved communities. On interview day, I was reminded of how kind, friendly, and welcoming people at UC Davis are. I was overjoyed to match at UC Davis alongside my significant other and to finally return home!
Clinical Areas of Interest: General Outpatient Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Medical Education, Community Health & Advocacy
Hobbies: Cooking, baking, amusement park rides, jigsaw puzzles, reading, playing Nintendo games, singing in the car, Zumba
Michael Jake Petersen, M.D.
Undergraduate School: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Rush Medical College
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
It was the feeling I had during and after my interview. It was evident that the residents had great relationships with the attendings and sincerely enjoyed working together. The program was also the perfect size for me and would support the career goals I have through mentorship, supported research, and teaching opportunities while also supporting me personally and my family. I also loved that my family and I could live and work in a diverse area where we could enjoy all the outdoor adventures we like to go on.
Clinical Areas of Interest: Cardiology
Hobbies: Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, etc. Playing sports and games, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Sanchita Raychaudhuri, M.D.
Undergraduate School: Harvard College
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I wanted to continue my training at a program where I could care for a wide variety of patients. Davis is my hometown, and I wanted to be close to my family again after attending college and medical school across the country. During my interview day, I was struck by how warm and welcoming the program directors and residents were. I was also very impressed by the quality of the training program and opportunities for research, subspecialties, and resident wellness! Despite having a virtual interview day over Zoom, I was drawn to the program and its people, which was a very good sign. I am excited to be training at such a great institution that is so close to home!
Clinical Areas of Interest: Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Adolescent Health, Advocacy
Hobbies: Violin, piano, biking, dancing, baking, reading, badminton
Ashley Wong, M.D.
Undergraduate School: UC Irvine
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Why did you choose the UC Davis Residency Program?
I chose UC Davis because I admire the programs focus on advocacy, the optimal size of the residency class for a supportive working environment, the importance of resident education as described on interview day and the proximity of the institution to my family.
Clinical Areas of Interest: Critical care, cardiology, NICU
Hobbies: Soccer, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, cooking
Claire Chin Foo, M.D.
Undergraduate: Brown University
Medical School: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
After the past 9 years in Providence, RI, I really wanted to be closer to family both in Tahiti and California, and having spent all my summers in Sacramento, I have always considered it my American hometown. During my interview day, I was so happy to meet the many faculty and students there who really cared about making everyone feel welcome and at ease. What really drew me to UC Davis was the focus on resident wellness along with the amazing training and the many opportunities for research, advocacy and volunteering. I finished the interview feeling like UC Davis was such a perfect fit for me and the type of residency environment I was looking for. I am so excited to be joining this program and be closer to family!
Clinical areas of interest: General Pediatrics, Community health and Advocacy
Hobbies: Baking, cooking, dancing, quality time with family and friends
Kelli Derrah, M.D.
Undergraduate: Pomona College
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
On my interview day I was extremely impressed by the warmth, passion, and camaraderie of everyone I interacted with. UC Davis has a wonderful mix of academic medicine, community focus, and advocacy and policy opportunities, all of which were very important to me in a training program. Finally, the location of Sacramento was appealing due to the diversity and many outdoor activities!
Clinical areas of interest: Undecided but include hospitalist medicine, cardiology, and neonatology
Hobbies: baking, running, attempting to surf, crafts/DIY projects
Gagandeep Dhugga, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of California Davis
Medical School: University of California Davis
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
UC Davis has been part of my life since attending undergrad here and I knew that I wanted to continue serving this wonderful community during residency. I love how close Sacramento is to both the mountains and the beach, making it possible to do a lot of fun activities on the weekend.
Clinical areas of interest: Neonatology
Hobbies: Salt-water aquariums, building computers, football, snowboarding and hiking.
Jamie Jiang, M.D.
Undergraduate: Rice University
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
The UC Davis Residency Program had an incredibly warm and friendly vibe through the residents, the faculty, and the hospital itself. There is a unique level of comradery, and the size of the program encourages meeting people from other programs which I think helps keep us fresh and open minded. I've always wanted to live in Northern California and in a large city with a small city feel.
Clinical areas of interest: Endocrinology, Hospitalist Medicine
Hobbies: Thrifting junk and finding new purposes for them. Napping in the sun. Board game or karaoke nights. And I am always open to trying out new hobbies as well!
Jessica Jones, M.D.
Undergraduate: Xavier University
Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
On my interview day I was most impressed with all the people I talked to! The faculty were kind and down to earth, and the residents were obviously a close knit group that really supported each other! I thought UC Davis, with its smaller size but strong physician teachers would give me wonderful opportunities in terms of developing my clinical skills and finding great mentors. The focus on teaching and advocacy to the community of Sacramento also really resonated with me. Finally, I've lived my whole life in the mid-west, and Sacramento seemed like a great new city to explore the nearby outdoors from!
Clinical areas of interest: Unsure, but thinking Infectious Disease or Neonatology right now
Hobbies: Hiking, Baking, Rock Climbing, Reading
Jessa Li, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada Las Vegas
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
UC Davis is a strong academic residency program that is compassionate, advocates for patients, and has a safe environment for us to learn in, which is what I dreamed of in my program. However, the most important aspect for me was how happy the staff and residents were. Then during UC Davis's interview day, I saw how genuine each individual was and how much they loved the program. I found myself imaging how awesome it would be if the attending/resident were my mentor/senior. It is so great to have my little day dreams become reality in a few months!
Clinical areas of interest: NICU, gen peds
Hobbies: Chubs, food, trying to keep my plant(s) alive
Katrina Marks, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Nevada, Reno
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
In looking for a residency, I knew I wanted somewhere I could experience the full range of pediatric specialties. I am interested in possibly pursuing fellowship, but I am not sure and want a program that would give me the most informed choice. I love UC Davis’s blend of academics and community, and their passion for advocacy made it the perfect choice for me!
Clinical areas of interest: Hematology/oncology, hospitalist medicine, LGBT+ care/general pediatrics
Hobbies: Crocheting, rock climbing, Latin dance, painting
Elizabeth Moore, M.D.
Undergraduate: Oregon State University
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
UC Davis is such a good training program for primary care which is ultimately what I want to do with my career! I am excited about the program's commitment to diversity, opportunities for child advocacy, and the true sense of comradery, friendship and support.
Clinical areas of interest: Outpatient Primary Care, Child Advocacy, Quality Improvement
Hobbies: Violin, crocheting, embroidery, work out classes (barre/spin/yoga), reading for fun, creative writing, game nights, trivia, and playing with my cat Zazu
Trisha Mulamreddy, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: McGovern Medical School
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
My interview day showed me how welcoming and close-knit the faculty and residents are at UC Davis. I was really excited to get the opportunity to do more community and legislative advocacy in the capitol of California. I knew I’d get an amazing pediatrics training with great mentorship and support. Lastly, I thought Sacramento was a wonderful location to be able to explore the outdoors and eat great food!
Clinical areas of interest: Neonatology, Community Health & Advocacy
Hobbies: Embroidering, gardening, playing basketball and volleyball, reading books, testing out new recipes
Jeremy Sanchez, M.D.
Undergraduate: Grinnell College
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I chose the UC Davis Residency Program for its strength in advocacy. During interview day, it stood out as a program that makes it clear that its proximity to the State Capitol is not taken for granted, and that it is really important to be advocates for our vulnerable patients in particular. I also felt a very welcoming vibe from program staff, and was excited to hear that I matched here!
Clinical areas of interest: Hospital medicine, Adolescent Medicine, Infectious Disease
Hobbies: Traveling (both domestic and international!), reading, video gaming, hiking, trying new foods!
Ken Stridiron, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Medical School: University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns SOM
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
UC Davis passed the "vibe test" for me. I left the interview day feeling excited about the program. All of my interactions with the faculty and residents felt genuine despite interview being virtual. I appreciate the blend of an academic institution with a strong commitment to community health and advocacy. As someone new to the area a small-medium sized program seemed conducive to a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Sacramento also has a diverse patient population to encourage well-rounded training. Also, moving with a family the city seems very family-friendly with a little bit of everything. Overall, it checked off all our boxes and stood out among other programs.
Clinical areas of interest: General Pediatrics, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Community Health, Medical Education
Hobbies: Swimming, running (jogging), cooking/baking, enjoying good food/drinks, spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places
Sunia Suhail, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of California San Diego
Medical School: University of California Davis
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I chose Davis because I had such a wonderful experience here during my third year and fourth year pediatrics rotations. All of the faculty and residents are so kind and supportive, which fosters a great learning environment. I love how Davis serves such a diverse patient population and offers so many opportunities to get involved in community outreach and legislative advocacy. As a Sacramento native, I am excited that I get to continue to live in my hometown with my family and that I can give back to the community that I grew up in.
Clinical areas of interest: General Outpatient Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology, Child Psychiatry, Community Health and Advocacy
Hobbies: Playing with my dog, reading, watching Marvel movies, traveling, yoga
Victoria Tran, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of California Davis
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
After working for UCD, I knew that I would be getting the best pediatric training, I am also excited to move closer to home
Clinical areas of interest: Pediatric gastroenterology, general pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, pediatric sports medicine
Hobbies: Running, baking, trying new recipes, karaoke
Jessica Ahn, M.D.
Undergraduate: Southern Adventist University
Medical School: Loma Linda University
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
When I interviewed at UC Davis, I was drawn to the program's wonderful combination of academic medicine, community outreach, and advocacy. I loved the opportunities to serve a diverse and wide catchment area and was excited about the mentorship, teaching opportunities, and research support. On my interview day, everyone from the program welcomed me warmly, and I felt the camaraderie of the faculty and residents. I look forward to joining the UC Davis family and serving our community!
Clinical areas of interest: General Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology
Hobbies: Cooking, rock climbing, playing piano, traveling, spending time with family and friends
Thomas Chow, M.D.
Undergraduate: UC Davis
Medical School: UC Davis
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
Best residents and faculty I've ever worked with! Strong sense of comradery between everyone in the department. A lot of emphasis on community health and advocacy.
Clinical areas of interest: General pediatrics, NICU, pulmonology
Hobbies: Video games, working on my car, basketball, playing piano/guitar
Sofia Devers, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
As I learned about UC Davis Pediatrics, I could see that this program would be a great next step in my training. At my interview day, I was struck by the emphasis on integrating physical and mental healthcare. I also enjoyed all my interviews, and the culture of the program seemed genuinely supportive. Finally, as a major referral center for the area, residents gain excellent clinical training by catering to diverse patients with a variety of presentations.
Clinical areas of interest: Primary care, development
Hobbies: Gardening, playing guitar, knitting and other crafts, playing racket sports, watching TV
Elaine Ho, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Drexel University, College of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I chose UC Davis because during my interview day, I saw how friendly and supportive the residents and faculty were. I was also excited by the program’s wide breadth of opportunities with a focus on community advocacy and resident wellness. I was looking to broaden my horizons during residency and Sacramento seemed like a great place to do so!
Clinical areas of interest: General Pediatrics, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Allergy-Immunology, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Hobbies: Drawing, Skiing, Traveling, Tennis, Swimming, Exploring local parks and restaurants, Watching the latest Pixar, Star Wars, or Marvel Comic Universe movies/shows
Kaitlyn (Kaity) Honeychurch, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: University of California, Davis
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I chose to stay for residency because of the UC Davis community. During medical school, I saw how supportive everyone is here from residents to attendings to all the amazing staff. I wanted to continue being a part of the UC Davis family. Another factor was the patient population of the greater Sacramento area. This is my home, these are my people, and I wanted the opportunity to continue to learn from and serve this large and diverse population.
Clinical areas of interest: Hospital Medicine, Medical Education
Hobbies: Hiking, golfing, skiing, working out
Sarah Hurrell, D.O.
Undergraduate: John Carroll University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I have always wanted to come to beautiful California where the culture is as great as the weather and UC Davis stood out as a program with the best of everything, from the people and education right down to the cafeteria food!
Clinical areas of interest: Pediatric Neurology with a focus on epilepsy and headache
Hobbies: Drawing, baking, running, swimming, playing games, and practicing yoga
Mallika Iyer, M.D.
Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: University of Washington
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I love the strong commitment to advocacy at Davis. I was also drawn to the clinical and learning opportunities present at UC Davis, since it is a major referral center in a large regional catchment area.
Clinical areas of interest: Adolescent medicine, primary care
Hobbies: Embroidery, cooking, baking, yoga/barre/Pilates, 90s TV shows
Tiffany Ju, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
On my interview day, I loved the tight-knit, welcoming, and supportive community of residents and faculty, who emphasized advocating for their patients and for each other. I also love the opportunities and dedication that UC Davis has to advocacy, outreach, and quality healthcare for the diverse community they serve. Finally, I am excited to be closer to home in the Bay Area, and to explore all the restaurants, boba, and nature in or near Sacramento!
Clinical areas of interest: Undecided, but considering general pediatrics, hospitalist medicine, infectious disease, or cardiology?
Hobbies: Figure skating, photography, swimming, hiking, trying new food, Boba!
Sarah Kardos, M.D.
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Medical School: UC Davis School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I chose UC Davis because I wanted a mid-size program with a balance of excellent clinical training, an academic environment with opportunities for teaching, and an emphasis on resident wellness. I enjoyed my time as a medical student at Davis and felt confident that I would continue to have strong mentorship and support for my training here. My partner and I love living in Sacramento and feel that this will be a good place to continue to raise our little one. We love the parks, proximity to Tahoe/Yosemite, and the welcoming and kind people we have gotten to know while living here!
Clinical areas of interest: Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Hospital Medicine, General Pediatrics
Hobbies: Board games, rock climbing, family park outings, gardening, paint by numbers, kitchen dance parties
Erika Kim, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Nevada, Reno
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
During my interview day, all the faculty and residents I met were so kind and welcoming and it was very clear to me that the program cared about its residents. I could tell that the program would provide great training, mentorship, and support to help me achieve my future career goals. I was also drawn to the diverse patient population and opportunities for community outreach and advocacy that UC Davis provides. Finally, I felt like Sacramento would be a great place to live, with lots of sunshine and great food!
Clinical areas of interest: General Pediatrics, Hospitalist Medicine, Community Health and Advocacy
Hobbies: Reading, cooking, watching Netflix, playing video games, going on walks, weight training, and spend time with my family and friends
Alexandra Moseanko, M.D.
Undergraduate: Walla Walla University
Medical School: Loma Linda University
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I wanted to practice in a smaller residency program and participate in advocacy opportunities listed at the interview.
Clinical areas of interest: Cardiology or Hospitalist
Hobbies: Hiking, skiing (water and snow), cooking (especially pasta) traveling, reading, macramé, working out, piano, etc.
Rachel Rice, M.D.
Undergraduate: Saint Louis University
Medical School: Anne Burnett Marion, School of Medicine at TCU
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
I loved the opportunities for community engagement and advocacy at UC Davis, especially being located in the state capital. I also loved the size of the program and the opportunity to train at a level 1 trauma center. Lastly, I loved the location of the program, being close to home and with ample outdoor activities!
Clinical areas of interest: Hematology-Oncology
Hobbies: Hiking, Skiing, Soccer
Alexandra (Ali) Ritter, M.D.
Undergraduate: UC Santa Cruz
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
Several reasons! The location in Sacramento, the focus on advocacy, the X+Y schedule, and people that felt friendly, kind, and that I could see myself working with made UC Davis an easy choice!
Clinical areas of interest: Adolescent medicine, LGBTQ health, mental health
Hobbies: Cooking, swimming, board games, cheering on the USWNT
Zuleica Rodriguez, M.D.
Undergraduate: UC Davis
Medical School: UC Davis
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
During medical school at UC Davis, I enjoyed my time rotating through the different pediatric services. I found all the faculty and residents to be very passionate and friendly. UC Davis serves a very diverse population and offers the opportunity to work with the medically underserved both of which were important to me. On interview day, I knew this was the program for me after hearing more about their commitment to community advocacy. I am very grateful to be able to stay close to family and continue to live in such a wonderful location.
Clinical areas of interest: General pediatrics, adolescent health
Hobbies: Hiking, going to the gym, traveling
Betina Zubieta, M.D.
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Facultad de Medicina Saltillo
Why did you choose UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program?
Because it has opportunities to develop my passion to take care of and advocate for underserved communities. Also, it is collegial and supportive, offers excellent training, a large and varied caseload, and offers research opportunities.
Clinical areas of interest: Child Neurology, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Development and Behavior
Hobbies: Hiking with my family, reading and cooking. I’m a children’s literature fan and I write reviews of books I love and post them to my Instagram blog, @criando.lectores.
How to Reach Us
Meet Our Program Leaders
Contact Information
Residency Training Program
Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis Health
2516 Stockton Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-734-2428
Email: HS-pedsresidency@ucdavis.edu
