She believes it is important to understand the complex interactions between the social, behavioral, cognitive, and biologic aspects of growth and development in order to promote greater health and well-being in children. She primarily conducts research in childhood obesity and takes care of children with a wide range of eating-related disorders in the inpatient hospital setting. Kay is the Medical Director of the Medical Behavioral Unit/Eating Disorder Unit at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, Research Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, and Medical Director of the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research.