Katherine W. Arendt

Katherine W. Arendt, M.D., is a Professor of Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. She serves as a Consultant and Vice Chair of People and Culture in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, where she focuses on optimizing obstetric anesthetic care for high-risk pregnancies. Her work addresses critical gaps in maternal mortality linked to cardiovascular disease.

• MD, Mayo Medical School (2002)
• BA, Philosophy and Chemistry, Ohio Wesleyan University (1998)
• Special Fellowships in Regional and High-Risk Obstetric Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic
• Fellow in Obstetric Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Dr. Arendt’s research emphasizes anesthesia strategies for women with congenital or acquired heart disease and maternal anesthesia during fetal surgery. Her clinical expertise contributes to multidisciplinary initiatives like the Family Birth Center and Fetal Surgery Institutional Planning Group. She leads committees such as the Clinical Practice Executive Committee and co-developed national guidelines for fetal anesthesia.

Key scientific accolades include the 2025 CPP Distinguished Award, multiple Teacher of the Year honors (2016, 2009), and recognition for leadership in perioperative care. She actively participates in societies like the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, serving on their councils and task forces.

• 2025 Secretary Elect, International Congress on Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy (CPP)
• 2018-2019 Member, ACOG Presidential Task Force on Pregnancy and Heart Disease
• 2014-Present Board Member, Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology