Jay received his undergraduate degree in neuroscience from St. Lawrence University, where he also played college football, and then went on to complete his medical degree at USF Health College of Medicine. During his pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children's, he examined the use of residency sensitive quality measures informing Entrustable Professional Activities for better resident evaluations and preparation for independent practice.

Jay is an avid sports fan and follows all college football. In his love of the Green Bay Packers, he is an official "owner" of the team.