Seth T. Kay, MD

5.0

2158 ratings Read Reviews

Northwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Secondary Specialty

Otolaryngology

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Parathyroid Surgery
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid Surgery

Education

Medical Education:: MD, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine - 2011
Residency:: Loyola University Medical Center - 2016
Fellowships:: Medical College of Georgia - 2017

Board Certifications

American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Clinical Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:: Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:: Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:: Central DuPage Hospital

Delnor Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

2158 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

February 25, 2026

5.0

He communicates well and conveys an aura of caring. I feel safe in his care

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February 23, 2026

5.0

Clear explanations. Pleasant demeanor.

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February 22, 2026

5.0

Dr. Kay is kind, thorough and conscientious. He takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly. He has more than earned my trust and confidence. I am grateful for the excellent care I have received.

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February 21, 2026

5.0

Dr Kay explained very clearly all details of the procedure I was going to have. He provided detailed written instructions before and after my procedure. Dr. Kay was very kind and considerate of how I felt after my surgery and made himself available for any questions. He even called me the next day (on a Saturday) to see how I was feeling!

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February 18, 2026

5.0

Compassionate and caring and a phenomenal MD

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February 17, 2026

5.0

Dr. Kay is the ultimate professional physician. He explains everything from top to bottom, and is able to articulate the risks and challenges involved in the surgical procedure.

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February 16, 2026

5.0

Dr. Kay is an incredibly thorough, attentive, and caring provider. I couldn't recommend him enough.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

Very professional, but still relaxed in giving me the bad news.

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February 11, 2026

5.0

Dr Kay explained my situation, reviewed my ultrasound results, and provided options as to what the next steps might be. He is extremely knowledgable and kind. I appreciated his patience and time with me. I never felt that he was rushed or in a hurry. Like I was his only patient for the day.

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February 11, 2026

5.0

He was very nice and gentle and explained everything very thoroughly

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February 10, 2026

5.0

I don't feel rush a d I feel ll Ike I received a lot of information of my care.

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February 05, 2026

5.0

Dr Kay took care of my daughter when she had follicular thyroid cancer. He did a phenomenal job on her surgery so I had no doubts about who I would trust to look at and monitor my thyroid nodule. He is a thorough doctor and an expert on thyroid conditions. He is compassionate and does not rush through appointments. I am grateful to be under his care and value his expertise.

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February 05, 2026

5.0

Highly qualified, thorough, good explanations.

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February 05, 2026

5.0

I would highly recommend Dr. Seth T. Kay without hesitation. Since my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Dr. Kay has gone far beyond simply providing medical care_he has treated her with incredible kindness, compassion, and respect every step of the way. He is extremely knowledgeable, takes the time to explain everything clearly, and truly makes sure both patients and families feel supported and reassured. As her daughter, I cannot express how comforting it is to know she is in such capable and caring hands. Dr. Kay goes above and beyond for her care, and our family is deeply grateful for everything he has done. We feel very fortunate to have him as her doctor.

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February 05, 2026

5.0

Very thorough, clearly focused on providing the highest level of intervention. Listened and answered questions in a thoughtful manner. Was positive and kind.

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February 04, 2026

5.0

Very nice and informative doctor.

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February 02, 2026

5.0

Dr Kay is very professional, detailed oriented, and gentle. I always feel confident under his care.

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January 28, 2026

5.0

Dr. Seth Kay is an exceptional specialist. His depth of knowledge and expertise is immediately apparent. He conducts his work with a high level of professionalism but at the same time, incredibly friendly, patient, and easy to communicate with. He took the time to answer all my questions and made me feel completely at ease. He was so thorough explaining my condition. I highly recommend him to anyone looking not just for top-quality care but also for our country's very best specialist in this field.

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January 28, 2026

5.0

He is a great doctor! Very kind, thorough and knowledgable.

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January 26, 2026

5.0

Dr. Kay put me at ease immediately by explaining exactly what the procedure was for and would involve. I appreciate his expertise and calming presence. The videos on his site are also helpful.

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January 25, 2026

5.0

Doctor id very kind.

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January 22, 2026

5.0

Amazing doctor the best at what he does you can feel safe knowing your in the best hands my life was saved because of him and god.he's amazing at explaining everything and making you feel safe having cancer is not the best situation but dr Kay gives hope again.

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January 22, 2026

5.0

The procedure was done wonderfully with everything to watch for a follow up if complications because of medication taking.... Excellent doctor- doctors like Dr Kay are why we pick NM over other medical providers in the area

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January 21, 2026

5.0

professional, explained everything in detail, followed up personally on his cell phone, keep my wife informed at all times.

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January 11, 2026

5.0

Dr. Kay was extremely nice and took the time to explain everything to me about my condition. I'm an elderly patient and he treated me with kindness and patience and answered all of my questions. I trust him to provide excellent care.

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January 10, 2026

5.0

Good through doctor

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January 08, 2026

5.0

Going into surgery, knowing that I had thyroid cancer and not knowing if it had spread was so scary however, Dr. Kay made myself and my family feel comfortable with the procedure surgery and ultimately explain everything in detailed

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January 08, 2026

5.0

Dr Kay was very knowledgeable and compassionate. I very much appreciated both of these traits.

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January 08, 2026

5.0

He puts my mind at ease, he explains everything about the parathyroid surgery from start to finish and what to expect. I love his confidence.

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January 02, 2026

5.0

He explained everything in great detail, was always kind, personable, and obviously an expert in his field! My whole recovery process has been smooth and he called post op day one himself to check recovery status. Thank you Dr Kay!

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December 30, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay is extremely thorough and professional. He cares about his patients and makes sure they feel comfortable and all questions and concerns are answered.

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December 26, 2025

5.0

My multiple appointments with Dr. Kay were outstanding. He clearly loves and understands his specialty and provides you with all the information you need to move forward in your treatment both verbally and through his online website. He takes his time discussing your case with you and both he and his staff excel in responding to any question or need that arises. He runs an extremely efficient practice and my dealings with him were some of the best medical interactions I have had in my many years.

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December 24, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay was friendly, didn't rush the exam and took the time to listen and answer my questions. He paid attention to details from previous tests and was fantastic at explaining the situation and what to expect in the future. I wish more doctors had his same approach. I am extremely comfortable and confident in his abilities to help me.

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December 22, 2025

5.0

Was prepared to meet with me and my daughter. You knew he had reviewed the information before he met with us, so he was informed and prepared. Clearly explained and answered all questions

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December 22, 2025

5.0

Very good. Doctor

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December 19, 2025

5.0

Explained information in layman's terms. Spoke honestly about anything that could go wrong and how to fix it. He also has a very informative website that explains conditions, surgeries in detail.

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December 18, 2025

5.0

Good guy, down to earth said and exactly what he was doing

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December 17, 2025

5.0

Caring, extensive knowledge, great communication

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December 17, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay was very knowledgeable and addressed my questions professionally and had a good bedside manner. I would trust him if I should ever need to undergo thyroid surgery. Thanks Dr Kay!

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December 17, 2025

5.0

Always feel confident working with Dr. Kay...he is the best!

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December 15, 2025

5.0

I felt extremely comfortable and confident he would take care of me and give me the best possible outcome. I'm so glad I was able to have Dr Kay handle my surgery.

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December 12, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgeable, explains every step of the way with detail. Great bedside manner. Very trustworthy,

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December 10, 2025

5.0

Amazing doctor. Spend a long time being very thorough and explaining everything regarding my upcoming surgery for my thyroid cancer

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December 08, 2025

5.0

Quality of care

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December 07, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay apologized that I had to wait about 25 minutes past my scheduled appointment. He was very personable, knowledgeable and professional.

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December 05, 2025

5.0

Dr.Kay explained all I needed to know beforehand and gave me additional info/videos. Surgical experience went very well, and he has stayed in touch with me during the last 2 weeks, checking on my progress. I so appreciate his help and his answering all my questions.

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December 04, 2025

5.0

Above plus has a positive demeanor .

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December 03, 2025

5.0

He has been wonderful in his knowledge and care for my thyroid cancer and treatment.

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December 01, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable, smart, compassionate care. Outstanding bedside manner. Explained every step of my procedures and checked in to make sure I was ok after each step. I haven't had this much confidence in a Dr since my cancer surgeon

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November 24, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay is wonderful! He explains everything in advance of what he will be doing and the reasons why. He explains all the good and the bad in a very caring and thoughtful manner. I trust him with my life and highly recommend Dr Kay!

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November 24, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgeable. He was very good at explaining things regarding my situation.

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November 20, 2025

5.0

Excellent service

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November 17, 2025

5.0

Took the time to explain things so I could understand. Was professional and provided a detailed time line of what I could expect.

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November 14, 2025

5.0

Great bedside manner and a painless procedure; AND he brought up the subject of the abortive 1840s attempt by British explorers to find the mythical "Northwest Passage" .

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November 13, 2025

5.0

See above + gives you confidence all will be okay

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November 13, 2025

5.0

He is an excellent surgeon with great bedside manners - a rare combo indeed

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November 12, 2025

5.0

for teh above reasons. I trust his judgement and do not feel that I need to get a second opinion

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November 10, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay is very transparent and meticulous about his work. He doesn't rush and makes sure the patient is aware of all that's going on. He even personally calls to make sure the patient is recovering well after the surgery. We appreciate his dedication towards his work and patients.

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November 10, 2025

5.0

Surgery was done as expected and no complication. Detailed post surgical instructions and education. Provided medications to prevent adverse reaction. Nurse and Dr Kay followed up next day after surgery to make sure there is no complications and provide guidance as needed. Received another wellness check day 3 post op which I believe not normally done by other Surgeons. Bonus scarf to cover the surgical scar.

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November 08, 2025

5.0

Very prompt and caring attention always.

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November 06, 2025

5.0

He took his time explaining and making sure that I understood everything he is the kind of doctor that cares about patients

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November 04, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay listened to my concerns, answered all of my questions before surgery and reviewed all of the risks of the procedure along with what to expect post surgery. His instructions pre and post op were extremely detailed and organized. He and his team delivered excellent care on October 21, 2025.

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November 03, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay explained everything thoroughly. Great surgeon.

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November 01, 2025

5.0

When I leave Dr Seth's office I am always confident that I am cared for in the best way

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October 31, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay is so thourough and explains everything very clearly. Sets out your options

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October 31, 2025

5.0

This provider goes above and beyond to ensure his patient is comfortable and understands everything he is saying. He is confident without arrogance and is a true physician.

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October 29, 2025

5.0

Dr. K is patient with questions and calm and explains the problem and steps to solve the issue.

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October 27, 2025

4.0

He was very good at explaining what needs to be done to verify if I need surgery.

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October 24, 2025

5.0

He sent informative videos and took the unknown away from me. I knew exactly what to expect. I was very comfortable.

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October 23, 2025

5.0

Explained everything easy to understand

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October 23, 2025

5.0

Refreshing experience. Dr. Kay took time to listen to me, educate me and was very thoughtful in his treatment plans. A class act.

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October 23, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay was very personable and thorough, I left the appointment with everything resolved.

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October 22, 2025

5.0

Listens carefully and provides thorough responses, helps you understand what's happening.

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October 22, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay explains everything very clearly. Answering questions thoroughly. He is exceptional in his care and thoughtfulness.

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October 22, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay was very professional and confident in the procedure. Doctor explained everything and made me feel very confident with everything he was doing. He is a compassionate human being.

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October 20, 2025

5.0

He answered all of our questions. He never appeared rushed.

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October 15, 2025

5.0

Same reasons. Great doctor.

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October 13, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay is very knowledgeable and put me at ease.

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October 13, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay was the extremely professional. He immediately made me feel at ease. Thoroughly explained the situation, my options and the process. He made me feel like my situation was his priority from start to finish. I'd enthusiastically recommend!

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October 13, 2025

5.0

He is one of the best Doctors we have met and we did not expect him to be so hands on and gave us so much information and care that we realized we dont have to worry about the after care of the surgery, in other words he's a pro! Thank you so much Doctor Kay!

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October 13, 2025

5.0

It was an apparent Dr. Kay reviewed my records prior to meeting with me. He was friendly, personably, professional and knowledgeable. He acknowledged my concerns and addressed them. He explained to me and shared the results as as my options of needed. I was very pleased with my visit.

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October 11, 2025

5.0

Very profesional .

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October 11, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay is a very professional and compassionate doctor. He has my complete trust.

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October 09, 2025

5.0

Thoroughly explained the condition as well as treatment options.

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October 09, 2025

5.0

Great doctor. Very positive, professional,

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October 07, 2025

5.0

I know I am only basing this on my appointment to discuss treatment and surgery, but I was very satisfied with my visit. I am hopeful that my surgery will let me keep scoring at a "10."

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October 02, 2025

5.0

Very informative and personable

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October 01, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay is the Best Thyroid Dr in the area. I was to 4 other Drs in DuPage County until I found Dr Kay none of the other Drs had found my Thyroid Cancer. I knew something wasn't right , so he was a Blessing . He is very personable, explains everything so you completely understand .

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September 30, 2025

5.0

Dr was so kind. Explained everything he was doing and checked to make sure I was okay each time he continued the procedure. He answered all my questions and really made understanding everything easy. Dr came highly recommended and I am so glad I listened to the recommendation. I will see no one else and the follow up that is needed if it isn't cancer will be with him.

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September 29, 2025

5.0

Explained everything in detail

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September 27, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay was very approachable, and easy to speak too. He listened with care, and made you feel at ease discussing a very personal and sensitive diagnosis.

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September 25, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay is very good at what he does

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September 25, 2025

5.0

He is the most wonderful Doctor I ever had. From my first visit to each visit that I have with him, he is caring, a wonderful surgeon, informative, caring and very patience.

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September 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay was so friendly and personable. I felt very comfortable with him.

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September 22, 2025

5.0

He is very knowledgeable, and proactive with my treatment.

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September 22, 2025

5.0

I feel Dr. Kay is an above average doctor who is very caring, compassionate, and his communication with his patients is greatly appreciated.

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September 21, 2025

5.0

Very professional and thorough!! Good bedside manner !

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September 17, 2025

5.0

Great doctor makes you feel at ease explains everything very well

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September 17, 2025

5.0

Dr. Kay is awesome. He explains everything and answers all your questions. He is very compassionate when he is basically sticking you with needles. Dr. Kay has a very calming personality

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September 16, 2025

5.0

Dr Kay came well prepared for my appointment. He was factual and caring.

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Disclosures

Seth T. Kay, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2024.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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