Healing with Heart: Dr. Nekaiya “Kay” Jacobs Pratt Is Redefining Pediatric Critical Care Through Equity, Innovation, and Purpose

Pediatric Critical Care

Dr. Nekaiya Jacobs Pratt “Kay” is a board-certified pediatric critical care physician, educator, and health equity advocate based in Chicago. As a physician at Advocate Children’s Hospital, she leads with compassion and innovation—improving outcomes for critically ill children while championing inclusive, patient-centered care. Her clinical passion lies in pediatric neuro-critical care and traumatic brain injury, and she serves as physician lead for the hospital’s pediatric stroke team, where she has helped design and implement a stroke response process that has dramatically reduced diagnosis times and improved recovery outcomes for children.

Dr. Jacobs has mentored countless youth on their journeys into medicine and remains deeply involved in community-based programs supporting underrepresented minorities and inner-city youth pursuing careers in healthcare.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Jacobs is the founder of the Curly Hair Care Initiative, a system-wide program providing inclusive hair care supplies for hospitalized patients, which earned her the Diversity Champion of the Year Award and recognition as a national hair equity expert. She is also the author of The Magic Bonnet: Zoe’s Hospital Adventure, a children’s book inspired by her work to make hospitals more inclusive and comforting spaces for all children.

Mo Clark: What inspired you to write your children’s book? 

Dr. Nekaiya Jacobs Pratt : The Magic Bonnet was born from my work in hair equity within hospital systems, an effort to bring inclusive hair-care supplies and education to patient care. What began as an initiative to honor cultural identity in clinical spaces evolved into a passion project that blended medicine, representation, and compassion. The book is truly my love letter to that work. It’s a way to preserve a piece of my history as a physician and to remind both children and caregivers that dignity and belonging are essential parts of healing.

Through Zoe’s story, I wanted to capture the courage, curiosity, and resilience that children bring to even the most intimidating hospital experiences. It’s also a reminder that representation matters in every space, including healthcare. Writing The Magic Bonnet allowed me to weave together two parts of myself, doctor and advocate, into a story that celebrates identity, healing, and hope.

MC: What was the inspiration behind your career in medicine?

Dr. Nekaiya Jacobs Pratt: I’ve always been drawn to the sciences and have a natural desire to help others. Growing up, my parents exposed my me to everything they could, from dance and cheer to piano and sewing classes. They also prioritized placing me in spaces where Icould see people who looked like me doing amazing things. It wasn’t until I was older that I truly understood the sacrifices they made to make sure we could dream without limits, even as minorities. That realization shaped my purpose. I wanted a career that combined my curiosity for science with my passion for service, and one that would allow me to give back to the parents who positioned me so well to succeed.

MC: Who is your business role model, and why?

Dr. Nekaiya Jacobs Pratt: My business role models are Emma Grede, Jeanette Reyes, and Sara Blakely. I’ve always admired Emma’s ability to build impactful, inclusive brands while staying grounded in authenticity and representation. Jeanette’s journey has also really resonated with me, especially her willingness to pivot and redefine what success looks like. Her book Primed to Pivot came at a time when I was reimagining my own path, and it reminded me that evolving doesn’t mean starting over; it means honoring who you’ve become.

I also draw inspiration from Sara Blakely’s creativity and fearless approach to entrepreneurship. And I have to mention the Black women physicians who are walking similar paths and have been incredible sources of support and motivation—Dr. Tanisha Hutchinson, Dr. Maya Eady McCarthy, Dr. Tisha Rowe, Dr. Mahalia Previlus, and of course, my business partner. They continue to push me to dream bigger and move with intention.

In every role she holds—physician, mentor, author, and advocate—Dr. Nekaiya “Kay” Jacobs Pratt leads with a steady brilliance rooted in compassion and cultural awareness. From revolutionizing pediatric stroke response protocols to ensuring that every child feels seen and cared for through inclusive practices, her work proves that excellence in medicine extends beyond clinical skill—it lives in empathy, representation, and action. As she continues to shape the future of healthcare for the next generation, Dr. Jacobs Pratt stands as a powerful reminder that healing is most transformative when dignity, identity, and innovation meet at the bedside.

Photos by: Paul Hairlson