Sabitha Sasidharan Pillai, MD

Pediatrics has been my dream job since childhood. Caring for my younger relatives sparked my interest, and medical school solidified it. I learned that pediatrics is more than just caring for and getting along with children; it’s about understanding each individual and adapting to their needs, concerns, and temperaments.

I completed my medical school and pediatric residency at Government Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India. My interest in endocrinology began there when I was part of the team caring for a child with diabetes. The experience of saving that child with insulin treatment was both rewarding and fascinating. After finishing my residency, I joined the Department of Pediatrics at Government Medical College, Calicut. Alongside a senior faculty member, I helped establish the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic and later the Obesity Clinic.

My dream of obtaining a Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship came true when I completed the fellowship at Brown University, RI. The three years at Brown were immensely beneficial, providing me with in-depth knowledge, expanding my research opportunities, and enhancing my teaching skills. It fueled my aspiration to join an academic institution and continue my journey. I consider myself very fortunate to be a part of a group of well-recognized pediatric endocrinologists who are pioneers in research at the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Outside of my professional life, I have a passion for sports, books, and gardening. I enjoy watching cricket, tennis and soccer. I love reading crime thrillers and mystery novels. I am planning to set up a garden for tropical flowers and fruit plants.