Our Doctors

What do you love most about your job?

What I love the most about being a pediatrician is the chance to build long-term relationships with kids and their families while supporting them through every stage of growth. As a specialist in sports medicine, that joy is amplified as I get to help young athletes stay active, recover from injuries, and safely push toward their goals. Seeing the pride and confidence that comes from overcoming challenges or reaching a milestone is incredibly rewarding, and being part of that journey is what makes this work so meaningful.

What are your hobbies/general interests?

In my free time, I enjoy being active and spending time outdoors with a combination of running, biking, skiing, and playing pickleball. I also love traveling and exploring new cities, as I have been to 9 different countries in Europe. When I’m not on the move, I enjoy reading, cooking, and playing board games with friends and family.

What's something you think people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was on the cross-country ski team at my high school in Minnesota. I completed a 50-kilometer race, and I volunteered at one of the biggest cross-country ski races in the country.

Tell us about your family life (including pets!)

I live with my partner in a townhouse in Hoffman Estates. We don’t have any children or pets at the moment, but we’re hoping to adopt a puppy sometime next spring! I also love spending time with my niece and nephew when they visit from California.

Have you participated in any charity work/giving back to the community?

During my residency and fellowship training, I spent a lot of my free time working in the community with local high school sports teams providing sideline coverage at athletic events and delivering talks on various topics in sports medicine. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to support young athletes and help them safely participate in the sports that they love.

What/who inspires you?

I was fortunate to have an excellent pediatrician as my mentor during my pediatrics residency. His laid-back attitude and fun personality made the clinic a welcoming and enjoyable place for both patients and staff alike. Watching how he balanced professionalism with approachability showed me the kind of pediatrician I want to be – someone who makes kids feel at ease while providing excellent patient care.

Dr. Hays received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his Pediatric Residency at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and a fellowship in Pediatric Sports Medicine at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital.