Dr. Maria B. Soto, MD, FAAP
Pediatrician
Habla español
She trained as a doctor in Lima, built a practice in Brooklyn, and has been seeing children in Gwinnett since 2023.
Parents describe her the same way, over and over, in the same words: straight with them. She will tell you what she thinks.
And she has been the nervous first-time parent in the chair. She says so, unprompted, twice.
Why children
I grew up as one of eight children in Peru, and from a young age I admired our family doctor, Dr. Medina. He was knowledgeable and compassionate, and he cared deeply for families in an underserved community. His example showed me that medicine is not only about treating an illness — it is about understanding the whole person and helping people feel cared for.
Pediatrics felt like the most natural way for me to carry that forward: caring for children, supporting their parents, and helping families build a healthy foundation from the beginning.
What happens in the room
She watches before she examines.
I quietly observe my patients and the way they interact with their parents and family. Those small moments often help me better understand the child, the family dynamic, and what they may need beyond the reason for that day's visit.
I respect that every parent wants to be as informed as possible and to advocate for their child — I remember being a first-time parent, too. I listen carefully and work collaboratively so we can evaluate each situation thoughtfully and without judgment. Above all, the child's health and well-being guide every recommendation I make.
I want you to feel comfortable asking anything that is on your mind. Every question is worth asking, and I am here to listen, provide guidance, and help you feel more confident as you care for your child.
Lima, Brooklyn, Lawrenceville
I grew up in Lima, Peru, with my eight siblings and loving parents. My father was my biggest supporter and always encouraged my dream of becoming a pediatrician, but shortly before I graduated from medical school, he unexpectedly passed away.
I had never imagined leaving Peru or my family, but after graduation, I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone and moved to Brooklyn, New York.
In Brooklyn she met her husband and became a mother. She completed her pediatric residency at SUNY Downstate, then opened a practice serving the Bushwick community, which she ran until 2016.
I later moved to Florida to be near my daughter, and in 2023 we moved to Georgia to be closer to my husband's family. I first fell in love with Georgia during a visit in 1991, so returning felt like life had come full circle.
When she is not here
She lives in Dacula with her husband of forty-one years, and is the proud mother of a grown daughter. Between her, her daughter and her son-in-law they co-parent two cats, Trooper and Pumpkin, and three dogs — Luna, Herbie and Mickey.
Given a free day she is in the garden, and would happily stay there until dark. She is at church on Sundays, is a menace to her own house with DIY projects, and follows the Yankees.
I also recently conquered my fear of swimming, which reminded me that it is never too late to try something new.
If she had to pick a stage of childhood, she would say newborns — and being able to tell them later that she has known them since they were born. But she does not really believe in picking.
Truly, every stage from infancy through young adulthood has something special and magical about it.
In her own words
My journey has taught me to embrace the unexpected and remain open to wherever life leads next.
Dr. Maria B. Soto
What parents say about Dr. Soto
very pleasant and a straight shooter… great bedside manner and is very good with the children and very honest with the parents
A parent, on Google
one of the most caring and attentive doctors we have ever had.
A parent, on Google
very thorough and helpful through the newborn phase
A parent, on Google
Credentials
Medical school
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina San Fernando, Lima, Peru. MD, 1984. Founded in 1551, San Marcos is the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas.
Undergraduate
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
Pediatric residency
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York. 2000–2003.
Board certification
American Board of Pediatrics, 2007. Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
With Ivy League Pediatrics since
2023
Languages
English and Spanish, both fluent.
Booking with Dr. Soto
La Dra. Soto atiende en español. Puede pedir una cita con ella en línea.