The Arena Announces New Contributor Dr. Michael O'Brien
The Arena Announces New Contributor Dr. Michael O'Brien
Lowcountry native becomes the sixth Arena contributor
The Arena is excited to announce our newest contributor, Dr. Michael O’Brien! Dr. O’Brien is joining The Arena as a contributor on national politics, children’s health policy, and other major issues of the day.
Michael is a full-time urgent care pediatrician practicing in Washington, DC, and Maryland. Originally from Mount Pleasant, SC in the heart of the Lowcountry, he remains deeply connected to the Palmetto State. A proud graduate of Wando High School, Clemson University, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville, and the pediatrics residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, Michael's journey has been profoundly shaped by our state’s public institutions.
During his medical training in South Carolina, Michael entrenched himself in legislative advocacy, dedicating his time outside of medical training to combating restrictions on healthcare. He has testified against government overreach into reproductive rights, gender-affirming care, and the rights of LGBTQ+ parents. His efforts earned him the Rainbow Award from MUSC and Charleston Pride, recognizing his outstanding advocacy for the state’s LGBTQ+ community.
Among his other honors, Michael is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a prestigious organization for those who exemplify compassionate medical care. In 2023, he was named Best Resident Teacher and in 2024 received this award for Best Resident in Pediatric Intensive Care.
As Michael embarks on new adventures in the nation’s capital, he is also taking on an official role with Their Future PAC – the nation’s first and ONLY political action committee for children – to fight alongside The Arena’s own Dr. Annie Andrews and Renee Harvey.
Keep an eye out for Michael’s insights, critiques, and calls to action on The Arena, and subscribe to support our work in amplifying progressive voices from our great state.
Follow Michael on X at @DrOBrienMD and Instagram at @michaelhobrien.
Dream team!