Dedicated to Medicine,
Mentorship, and Meaningful Impact
My name is Dr. Sonia Pothraj. I’m a board-certified general pediatrician, an assistant professor at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. I also serve as a tutor for the General Pediatrics Board Certifying Examination. I’m deeply passionate about medical education, teaching, and mentorship, and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Medical Sciences in Medical Education at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.
As a pediatrician, I believe in delivering high-quality, compassionate care. I continuously seek ways to improve the patient experience—through shorter wait times, longer visits, and more affordable healthcare. At the core of everything I do are the values of integrity, compassion, and respect.
Integrity
Doing what’s right—even when it’s hard. I aim to show up fully and honestly in every space I work in.
Compassion
Listening first. Caring deeply. Meeting people where they are—with empathy and humility.
Respect
Creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—patients, students, and colleagues alike.
Pre-enrollment starts now, clinic opening in October
About Direct Primary Care (DPC)
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly membership fee in exchange for a range of primary care services. In contrast to traditional healthcare models, DPC removes the need for insurance intermediaries, focusing on a direct relationship between the healthcare provider and the patient. This model prioritizes patient care by providing easier access to doctors, longer appointment times, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles, making healthcare more affordable and personalized.
No walk-ins. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
How DPC Compares to Traditional Pediatric Care
In traditional pediatric care, parents and children rely on insurance for coverage, often facing high copays, limited appointment times, and a significant administrative burden. With DPC, the process is simplified: families pay a monthly fee, eliminating the need for insurance involvement in most cases. This leads to:
Doctors have more time for each patient, fostering a stronger relationship and better care.
No copays or
deductibles; just one
clear monthly fee.
Easier communication with pediatricians through phone, email, or direct consultations.
DPC encourages a more customized, preventive approach to healthcare.
Who is Direct Primary Care Best Suited For?
Direct Primary Care works well for:
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Families Seeking More Personal Care: If you want more face-to-face time with your pediatrician and a deeper understanding of your child’s health.
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Families Looking for Predictable Costs: Those who prefer an all-inclusive, transparent pricing model rather than navigating insurance claims and high out-of-pocket expenses.
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Parents with Children with Chronic Conditions: DPC offers ongoing, proactive management of long-term conditions without the time constraints typically found in traditional care.
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Busy Families: With better access to their pediatrician, families who have limited time or flexible schedules find it easier to manage their children’s healthcare needs.
What Does the Membership Include?
The membership for Direct Primary Care generally includes:
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Unlimited Access to Pediatrician: You can visit your pediatrician as often as needed, with no additional fees for each visit.
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24/7 Access to Your Pediatrician: Access to phone consultations, emails, and virtual care, ensuring that you can reach your doctor whenever needed.
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Comprehensive Preventative Care: Routine checkups, immunizations, and screenings are included as part of the ongoing care plan.
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Chronic Condition Management: Ongoing management of chronic health conditions with a focus on prevention and personalized treatment.
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Health Coaching & Education: Pediatricians guide parents with tips on nutrition, behavioral health, and developmental milestones.
Direct Pediatric Care (DPC) vs. Traditional Pediatric Care
| Feature | Direct Pediatric Care | Traditional Pediatric |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist consults | Convenient | Time consuming |
| Appointment Length | 30–60 minutes (unhurried visits) | 10–15 minutes (often rushed) |
| Access to Pediatrician | Direct calls/texts/video chats | Phone trees, long hold times |
| Same-Day Appointments | Always available | Often days or weeks wait for sick visits |
| Insurance Dependency | No insurance required (simplified care) | Requires insurance, leading to claim denials |
| No Surprise Bills | Transparent pricing (no hidden fees) | Unexpected charges from labs, specialists |
Membership Tier Comparison
One time enrollment fee of $100
We do offer financial assistance to families. Please contact us directly to learn more.
Special deals available for college students.
We have a tier based membership system schedule a free meet and greet (no medical advice) to find out. more!
Frequently Asked Questions
We address frequently asked questions regarding our pediatric healthcare services. You can discover details about insurance alternatives, membership fees, and the benefits of our Direct Primary Care approach. We are dedicated to providing empathetic, high-quality medical care that you need. For further inquiries or tailored assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
Do you take insurance?
Should I cancel my health insurance?
Why should I pay a membership fee when I already have insurance?
I'm not sure that I can afford the monthly membership?
What if I decide to cancel the membership?
How much does a membership cost?
Can I use my HSA/FSA to pay for my membership?
How do I sign up for Kind Pediatrics DPC?
My Clinical Career & Medical Education
I’ve always loved learning and have been incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my academic and professional path. From my early days in New Jersey to medical school and now Harvard, each step has shaped how I show up for my patients, students, and colleagues today.
High School
Laying the GroundworkI graduated in the top 5% of my class at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South in New Jersey. That experience taught me the value of hard work, showing up for others, and pursuing big goals—values that still guide me today.
College
Rice UniversityI was awarded the Rice University Trustee Distinguished Merit Scholarship and graduated in just three years. While there, I received the Spanish & Portuguese Department’s Cervantes Award for Outstanding Seniors, and had the chance to learn from some of the most inspiring professors I’ve ever met.
Medical School
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolI was proud to graduate with multiple clinical honors distinctions and I was President of the Pediatrics Interest Group. Medical school challenged and shaped me in so many ways.
Residency
RWJMS PediatricsResidency was where I really came into my own. I learned how to teach, lead, and advocate for patients in a whole new way. During my final year, I was incredibly humbled to be nominated five separate times for excellence in teaching and clinical care by the people I worked most closely with—my supervising resident, the intern class I supervised, the Division of Hospitalist Medicine, the Division Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and both the Medical Student Clerkship Director and Pediatric Cardiologist. I was also honored to receive the David H. Carver Teaching Award – Teacher of the Year when I graduated.
Clinical Experience
Urgent Care & Primary Care FoundationsAfter completing residency, I spent one year practicing at PM Pediatrics Urgent Care as well as working at a clinic for the underserved as a locums tenens physician, where I gained fast-paced clinical experience treating a wide range of acute pediatric conditions. I have over a year total conglomerate experience in primary care working under large corporations as well as working at a clinic for the underserved as a locums tenens physician.
Now
Teaching, Mentoring, and Continuing to LearnI have been a tutor for doctors for the General Pediatrics Certifying Examination through Rosh Review and Blueprint Prep for nearly two years. I am excited to be doing my master’s in medical education at Harvard and teaching as an assistant professor at New York Medical College.
If you'd like to connect about speaking, teaching, mentoring, consulting, or pre-enrollment, reach out here
Awards, Distinctions & Honors
I’ve been honored to receive recognition from educators, patients, and peers throughout my journey.
Kind Words from Patients
Best Appointment Ever!
Have you ever liked a doctor so much that you couldn't wait to see her?! Dr. Porthraj is brilliant and diligent, but also warm, kind and relatable. She puts us all at ease and we always leave feeling better than when we came in. She remembers her patients, connects to them and takes her time. We love her and are so blessed to have found her!Amazing pediatrician
Dr Pothraj saw my daughter for her first few newborn visits. She took her time with thorough assessments and addressed all our questions and concerns at length, never making us feel rushed or dismissed. She was professional while also establishing a trusting relationship with mom and dad. Also, she made sure we understood plans of care, when and how to contact her, and had everything we needed until the next visit. Highly recommend Dr Pothraj as pediatrician.AMAZING!!!
Dr. Pothraj is, quite frankly, PHENOMENAL. From our very first appointment, she has gone above and beyond in her care of my children. Her dedication to providing top notch service is evident in how she treats her patients. She brings a fresh, intelligent perspective to every visit, equipped with the most up-to-date medical knowledge. With Dr. Pothraj, I know that my children are in the most capable hands possible, and I am so grateful to have met her.
Wonderful doctor
This pediatrician was amazing! She really went the extra mile to make sure that I was OK. She was on time and made sure to check every possibility. She was phenomenal! I felt really comfortable with her and trust everything she says.Best doctor ever!
Dr. Pothraj is the type of doctor that goes above and beyond for her patients. With kindness and attentiveness, she takes her time to get to know her patients and makes them feel like a priority. Our experience was incredible, and she is highly recommended.Empathetic and caring
I brought my son because he wasn't feeling well. She was very kind and made me feel comfortable. She was very professional and diligent explaining the treatment and sending it to the pharmacy. She cares deeply, feels like family, and I love that she speaks Spanish.So thankful for Dr. Pothraj
We showed up at PM urgent care having no idea that our daughter was having a stroke. Dr. Pothraj's calm and quick action undoubtedly saved our daughter from long term brain damage. She was clear and calm and helped to keep us stay calm while also providing immediate care for our daughter. We are forever thankful that Dr. Pothraj helped initiate the care that our daughters desperately needed.Phenomenal Clinican
Dr. Pothraj is one of the most attentive, kind, patient and honest pediatricians I have ever met. She has worked with both of my young children and always makes them feel safe and comfortable. She explains everything to us, which most pediatricians tell but don’t explain. Her compassion shows and we are so thankful we found her!
Pre-enrollment is now open
Whether you're a family and patient looking to join Kind Pediatrics Direct Primary Care or a student, educator, or organization looking to collaborate, Dr. Pothraj is pre-enrolling new patients, and open to consulting, speaking, and mentorship opportunities.
Pre-enrollment is now open
