Dr. April Soto
(she/her) MD, FAAFP, ABOIM, AAHIVS
Dr. April Soto's path to medicine was shaped by a childhood rooted in community and service. Born in Guatemala and raised by Puerto Rican missionary parents, she grew up believing that showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments is a calling, not just a career.
She earned her Medical Doctorate from UCSF, completed her residency in Family Medicine at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, and went on to pursue fellowships in both HIV medicine at LAC-USC and Integrative Medicine through the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine.
After 15 years in corporate medicine, she opened her own practice in South Pasadena, California, so she could practice entirely on her own terms — with her patients at the center of everything.
Dr. Soto offers an approach that bridges conventional and holistic medicine, with areas of focus including primary care, gut health, menopause support, gender-affirming care, PRP treatments, and psychedelic and breathwork therapy. What truly sets her apart is her lived understanding of what it means to be a patient — her own healing journey through chronic illness, anxiety, and PTSD has given her a rare and profound empathy for the people in her care. She has always loved listening to her patients' stories, and that deep reverence for the trust they place in her is exactly why she became a doctor.
Certifications
MD, Board-Certified in Family Medicine
Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP)
Integrative Medicine Fellowship through the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (FAIHM)
Fellowship in HIV Medicine, LA County-USC Medical Center
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) training, PRATI
MDMA-Assisted Therapy training, MAPS
My “Why”
I became a doctor because I grew up with low medical resources. I saw the difference it made in my health, and the health of those around me when we gained access to higher-quality medical care. If we had not gained that access at the right time, my family and I would have all died from asthma attacks. It’s a blessing to be alive and every breath is a luxury! It also brings me great fulfillment to support others in their healing journeys! It’s an honor and a privilege to practice the healing arts!
What nourishes my inner healer?
Outdoor activities like boogie boarding and hiking
I love hiking in Griffith Park and Fryman Canyon in Los Angeles. Walking through The Tree People sanctuary and hugging trees brings me great joy! When I listen with reverence and silence, I’m able to hear trees speak to me–they tell me we all are equally important and loved!
I enjoy being present in the moment with culinary medicine. Finding the best ramen is delightful, and treating myself to dark chocolate is fantastic!
I love writing, reading, movies, and travel
I love finding the beauty in each patient's unique story.
Spending time with my wonderful husband Chris helps me stay centered and reminds me to have fun!
Meet Dr. Soto
Speaking Engagements and Events
Dr. Soto offers dynamic and thoughtful presentations on a wide range of topics, including motivational speaking, sexual diversity and sexual health, chronic illness, menopause, gut health, hormone optimization for cisgender, transgender, and non-binary individuals, and personal empowerment.
If you’re interested in inviting Dr. Soto to speak at your university, organization, conference, or event, we’d love to hear from you. Her talks on mental health, integrative healing, and personal growth are designed to inspire, inform, and engage diverse audiences. To check availability and request a booking, please fill out the following form.