North Hills, Pennsylvania, USA: Arvind Venkat, a physician and state representative from Pennsylvania, has been recognised for his commitment to health equity, patient safety, and advancing social work initiatives.
The Pennsylvania chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-PA) awarded Venkat the 2025 Legislator of the Year title, acknowledging his dedication to policies supporting social workers and promoting equitable healthcare throughout the state.
NASW-PA, the largest professional association for social workers in Pennsylvania, described Venkat as “a practising physician and valued collaborator” who has consistently advocated for initiatives that strengthen social work and improve community health outcomes.
The Legislator of the Year Award is part of NASW-PA’s annual PACE (Political Action for Candidate Election) program, which honours public officials who actively further the goals of the social work profession.
Representing Pennsylvania’s 30th House District, which includes McCandless, Franklin Park, Ohio Township, Kilbuck, Emsworth, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, and parts of Hampton Township, Venkat shared his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter). “I am truly honoured and humbled to be recognised as Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter,” he said.
“Having worked as an emergency physician alongside social workers throughout my career, I deeply appreciate their crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of our communities,” Venkat added.
Before entering politics in 2022, Venkat served as an attending emergency physician at Allegheny General Hospital. Leveraging his medical experience, he has championed policies in Harrisburg to improve healthcare access, strengthen emergency services, and address social determinants of health.
Born in Madurai, India, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Venkat earned degrees from Harvard University and Yale School of Medicine. He won his Pennsylvania House seat in a competitive election in the North Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh, flipping a previously Republican-held district to the Democrats.
