Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) has been honored with the Outstanding Americans by Choice Recognition by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The award ceremony took place at Coachella Valley High School.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website describes the Outstanding Americans by Choice program as an initiative that acknowledges naturalized U.S. citizens who have shown their dedication to the nation through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship.
In a press release issued by Ruiz, he stated that he received the award on December 8. "It is especially meaningful to have Secretary Mayorkas present it to me at my alma mater, Coachella Valley High School, in front of students, teachers, staff, farm workers and community members whose collective struggles, hopes, and dreams have been woven into my story and have become my own and the motivation for my life’s mission. I dedicate this to my family and the people I serve, who have made me who I am," said Ruiz.
Ruiz's website provides some background information about his upbringing and career trajectory. He was raised in Coachella where his parents worked as farmworkers. His academic journey led him to UCLA for his undergraduate degree followed by three advanced degrees from Harvard University including a medical degree and a master’s in public policy. He started his medical career as an emergency room doctor at Eisenhower Medical Center where he initiated a pre-medical mentorship program to address a shortage of doctors. This successful program was eventually incorporated into the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine where Ruiz served as a senior associate dean. In 2012, he was elected to represent California’s 25th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mayorkas was quoted in Ruiz's press release saying: "Then, as now, the people of Coachella – this community of Latinos, immigrants, hard workers, and dreamers – know Dr. Raul Ruiz: his story, his values, and what he represents. One of my great privileges as Secretary of Homeland Security is to recognize a select group of immigrant citizens who, through their decades of service, civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, exemplify the very best of the United States. It is a standard of excellence that Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., has met. It is my honor to recognize Coachella, California’s Raul Ruiz as a 2023 Department of Homeland Security Outstanding American by Choice."