Moms to Know: Dr. Lisa Hayes, Hayes Pediatrics
Dr. Lisa Hayes, a pediatrician and mother of three boys, is deeply invested in the families she serves. The founder of Hayes Pediatrics, she blends medical expertise with real-life parenting wisdom. Dr. Hayes shares what inspired her to open her own practice and how her family navigates the unpredictable seasons of life.
What inspired you to open your own practice, and how has that shaped your approach to care?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: I’ve always been deeply connected to my patients. I love supporting new moms, watching kids grow and welcoming siblings into the family. I wanted more control over the patient experience to better serve the families I care so much about. I often found myself helping friends who couldn’t get appointments with their pediatrician. I realized there was a demand for home-based care, which I love providing.
What’s your parenting philosophy and how does being a pediatrician influence how you raise your children?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: I’m a relaxed parent. I do my best, but I don’t sweat the small stuff. I focus on the big picture. Faith, family time and staying active are our priorities.
How do you stay connected with your boys during such a busy season of life?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: Sports and physical activities are big connection points for our three boys. We prioritize family meals whenever possible. Car rides are when the boys share the most, and they become some of the most meaningful moments.
What do you love most about being a business owner, and how has entrepreneurship empowered you as both a physician and a woman?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: As a woman, connecting with other female business owners and working moms has been fun. I’m enjoying tapping into my creative side more than I can in clinical practice. As a physician, seeing patients in their homes is rewarding. The smaller practice size allows me to spend more time with each family, speak with specialists, and connect patients with resources. It’s the kind of care I want to give.
What were some of the biggest challenges in starting your own practice, and what advice would you give moms considering launching a business?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: Setting boundaries. I think women, especially moms, feel a lot of pressure to please everyone. I’ve had to be intentional about protecting my family time and staying true to the vision I have for the practice.
Your husband is a colon cancer survivor. What advice would you give to parents facing personal or medical adversity while trying to keep life “normal” for their kids?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: Kids are incredibly intuitive. If something is happening in the family, it’s important to be open with them in an age-appropriate way. When kids feel something is hidden, it can create anxiety. Challenges are also opportunities to model resilience—showing kids how to rely on faith, seek support and keep going even when things are hard.
What do you wish more moms knew about balancing strength and vulnerability, especially in crisis?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: Vulnerability is strength. It creates connection. We were very open about my husband’s diagnosis, and the love and support we received — meals, messages, prayers — buoyed us during a really hard time. This month marks a year cancer-free, and we are so grateful.
What’s bringing you joy right now—whether in motherhood, medicine or just being Lisa?
Dr. Lisa Hayes: Opening Hayes Pediatrics feels like stepping into my calling. Walking through hard seasons gave me the courage to take the leap. I have big dreams for the practice, and I’m excited and grateful to serve the Tampa Bay community.
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Originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.