Mike Arenson is the Principal Investigator for Children’s HealthWatch’s Minneapolis Data Collection Site at Hennepin Healthcare. A pediatrician and researcher deeply committed to advancing child health equity. Mike’s work focuses on how systems can better support strong, nurturing relationships between young children and their caregivers—especially those navigating poverty, housing instability, foster care, or other relational disruptions. He’s passionate about using research to inform policy and practice that help all kids and families thrive.

Mike recently returned to Minneapolis, where he grew up and always called home. He graduated from Hopkins High School and the University of Minnesota (Go Gophers!) before heading to Emory University for medical school, where he also earned a Master’s in Bioethics and a Master of Science in Clinical Research. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, and most recently finished fellowships in Child Health Equity Research and Early Relational Health at UMass. Now at Hennepin Healthcare, Mike provides outpatient and newborn care while also helping build new clinical and research programs focused on trauma-responsive, family-centered care.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys life in the Twin Cities with his partner, Dani, their two kids, George and Sofie, and their dog, Sage. They love exploring local parks, visiting coffee shops and bakeries, and hosting dinner parties with friends and family.

Email: michael.arenson(at)hcmed.org