Michael Henrickson M.D.

HENRICKSON, Michael
Beloved husband of Mary C. McGrath. Devoted father of Lauren Marie Henrickson of Los Angeles, CA, and Kristin Milena Henrickson of Cincinnati, OH. Younger brother of Mark Henrickson of Auckland, New Zealand. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Henrickson and Elaine M. Henrickson (née Fowler) of Wilmington, DE, both originally from New Zealand (Whangerei and Auckland, respectively). Michael passed away on September 5th, 2025, at the age of 65.
Soldier, father, physician.
Born in the State of Delaware of dual citizenship (US/NZ) involving his extended family in New Zealand and Kiwi parents, Michael attended public schools in Wilmington and was a lifelong Episcopalian.
At Emory University, Atlanta, GA, he obtained his BA in Music, magna cum laude, writing his thesis in music history, with performance in both piano and French horn (1977-80).
New Zealander Joanne McCarroll married Michael in Philadelphia (1984); this first marriage lasted 29 years.
Answering the call to medicine led to completion of his MD at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA (1980-84). Funding for Michael's medical training largely occurred via the US Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program, leading to Michael's ongoing post-graduate training in Army General Pediatrics residency in Honolulu, HI (1984-87), then service in Stuttgart, West Germany (1987-90).
Returning to the US, assignment to a forward support battalion in the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Stewart, GA led to rapid deployment for the Persian Gulf campaigns of Desert Shield (1990) and Desert Storm (Persian Gulf War, 1991), set in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. His daughter Lauren was born (1991) during Michael's deployment. He completed his service at the rank of Major.
Transition to civilian life took place in Cincinnati, OH, where Michael completed Pediatric Rheumatology fellowship training (1991-94) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Kristin joined his family in 1993.
Next, medical staff positions occupied his professional life in Fresno, CA (1994-05) and Oklahoma City, OK (2005-09). Michael obtained his Master's degree in Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2009) while working full time as a pediatric rheumatologist.
Returning to Cincinnati in 2009 at the invitation of Cincinnati Children's Hospital colleagues, Michael attained the academic status of Professor, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He developed extensive relationships with colleagues nationally and internationally to improve care for pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases, including promotion of global health, workforce development and governmental advocacy, pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, and advanced clinical research studies.
During this era in Cincinnati, Michael served Cincinnati's Christ Church Cathedral in an array of volunteer roles (e.g., multiple youth mission trips to Appalachia and Honduras) and lay leadership capacities, culminating in service on its Vestry (2013-2019), then as Senior Warden (2019-2022) during the turbulent years of the global pandemic. His experience in public health helped frame the genesis of the prevention of gun violence work now fully embraced by the City of Cincinnati.
He was a member of the distinguished academic honorary societies Phi Beta Kappa (Liberal Arts & Sciences) and Delta Omega (Public Health). Michael's professional reputation included his ranking in Best Doctors in America, Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and Top Rheumatologist, Leading Physicians of the World. He was a consummate clinician and educator who helped to train 35 fellows for the next generation.
In August 2025, the Ohio Association of Rheumatology honored Michael with their Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized him as a cornerstone of pediatric rheumatology for over three decades, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the field, his dedication to patient care, and his leadership in advocacy and education.
Michael remarried in 2015 to his high school sweetheart, Mary McGrath. Michael adored travel, music, and photography, finding these unshakeable passions that he also instilled in his daughters. Above all, he loved his family and friends to their core. Michael embraced the loving gifts they continually poured upon him throughout a life that he lived fully in God's service.
Visitation will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, on September 21, 2025, from 1 PM until the memorial service begins at 4 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the foundations found below.