Dr. Neil Arnold
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Born and raised in St. Paul, Neil Arnold attended the University of Minnesota, earning degrees in chemistry and anthropology. After receiving his medical degree at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Arnold completed a tour in the U.S. Air Force before entering his OB-GYN residency at the University of Minnesota.

Why OB-GYN? “I didn’t want a specialty that dealt exclusively with technology, complicated medical problems, operating through a microscope, or required a lot of emergency work and terrible work hours. Funny how things work out,” he says with a chuckle. “But, I wouldn’t change it for anything.” In fact, to date, Dr. Arnold has helped bring well over 6,000 new lives into the world – enough to populate a city the size of International Falls.

More than a decade ago, Neil was diagnosed with late Stage IV cancer that required major procedures. The lessons of courage, hope and gratitude he learned in the face of adversity have helped to shape his approach to patients. “Regardless of what’s out there, we’ll look at it, diagnose it and then face it together,” says Neil.

He believes in taking special time with patients to help alleviate fears and involve them – as equals – in decisions that affect their health. “I like to spend time educating my patients, helping them become knowledgeable about the changes they and their bodies are going through,” Neil says.

Dr. Arnold is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serves as the director of HealthEast’s Midwifery Program at Woodwinds. He has also been recognized as a “Top Doc” by Mpls-St. Paul Magazine. But, perhaps his greatest honor is being the personal physician for a large number of labor and delivery nurses he works with at Woodwinds and St. John’s.

Neil and his college sweetheart, Naomi, have been married more than 40 years. They live in nearby Mendota Heights, and have three grown children, as well as a growing number of grandchildren. Neil and Naomi enjoy educational travel to absorb other cultures and resort travel to absorb some sun. They also like golf, reading and gourmet dining.