Dr. Sophia Pillai is a pediatric pulmonologist at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to helping children with complex breathing and lung conditions breathe easier, grow stronger, and live healthier lives. She provides highly specialized, family-centered care for premature infants, medically fragile children, and children with complex respiratory, airway, feeding, sleep, and exercise-related breathing disorders.

Dr. Pillai is the founder of the BREATHE Program (Bronchopulmonary Respiratory Assessments, Tracking, and Health), a longitudinal program designed to support premature infants and high-risk children through early identification of respiratory conditions, prevention of long-term complications, and promotion of healthy lung development throughout childhood. She collaborates closely with specialists in otolaryngology (ENT), gastroenterology, cardiology, neonatology, sleep medicine, and pediatric intensive care to provide coordinated multidisciplinary care for children with complex medical needs.

Her clinical expertise includes pediatric bronchoscopy, awake airway evaluation, pulmonary function testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and advanced lower airway diagnostic procedures. Through a comprehensive and individualized approach, Dr. Pillai works to identify challenging respiratory conditions and develop tailored treatment plans for each child.

Families value Dr. Pillai’s thoughtful and compassionate approach to care. She takes time to listen carefully, explain conditions clearly, and ensure parents feel informed, supported, and actively involved in every step of their child’s care. Her mission is not only to treat lung disease, but also to improve long-term respiratory health, quality of life, and overall well-being for every child she serves.