Looking forward to 2025, Waterfront Recovery Services is excited to announce our new Medical Director, Dr. Landon Whittington. Dr. Whittington’s journey from Texas to Humboldt is a testament to his passion for medicine, his love for the outdoors, and his commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Humboldt perfect.

Before pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Whittington worked as an engineer in Houston’s oil and gas industry. However, his desire for a more fulfilling vocation prompted him to return to school to study medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

His connection to the Northern California coast began years earlier. As a passionate outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Whittington spent time exploring the area during a cross-country road trip, even biking through Eureka. These experiences left a lasting impression and sparked a dream of one day living and working along the North Coast.
That dream became a reality when Whittington discovered a family medicine residency program in Eureka and successfully applied. After being accepted, he moved to Humboldt County to begin his three-year residency. His rotations at Waterfront Recovery Services were where he discovered his interest in and empathy for those struggling with Substance Use Disorder, providing the ideal opportunity to combine his medical expertise with his passion for making a difference.

"One of the biggest challenges in this field is managing the complex social situations that come with each patient," Dr. Whittington explains. “But the rewards are immense. These patients are often at their most vulnerable, and you have a unique opportunity to help them when others may have overlooked them.”
Dr. Whittington also credits Waterfront Co-Founder and Medical Director Dr. Ruby Bayan as an invaluable mentor during his training. “Her wealth of experience, particularly in psychiatry, has been a tremendous resource. I’ve learned so much from her,” he says.

Dr. Bayan shares that she confidently recommended Dr. Whittington as her successor after working closely with him for the last few years and seeing that he is a good fit for the organization and well received by staff.
Of critical importance, Waterfront staff impressed Dr. Whittington with their dedication and their shared commitment to patient care. “It’s rare to find an organization where everyone is so deeply invested in their work. That’s the hallmark of Waterfront,” he notes.
The professional appreciation and respect seems to be mutual; Waterfront staff enthusiastically responded to queries about their new Medical Director positively. This is huge when factoring in their profound connection to and love for Dr. Bayan.

While he’s still settling into his new role, Dr. Whittington is optimistic about the future and the potential to make a lasting impact. He remains committed to building on the strong foundation at Waterfront, ensuring that patients receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Outside of work, Dr. Whittington continues to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that first drew him to Humboldt County. From hiking and biking to simply enjoying the area’s natural beauty, he finds the perfect balance between his professional and personal life in this unique corner of California.