This week is both Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week. We appreciate the work, commitment, and care provided by nurses and teachers across the country every week, but it’s important that we take some time this week to verbalize that appreciation to the nurses and teachers in our lives. To the teachers and nurses in California’s 25th District – including my beloved wife, Monica – it is an honor to represent you and fight for you in Congress. It’s hard to condense all of my appreciation, admiration, and respect for nurses and teachers into one email, but I wanted to share why I so strongly support those who devote their lives to these professions.

Throughout my medical career, nurses trained me and taught me the healing power of caring for patients. They consoled me when I was saddened to lose a patient, and celebrated with me when we worked together to save lives. I owe so much to the nurses I worked with in hospitals and emergency departments in Boston, Pittsburgh, and especially Eisenhower Health’s Emergency Department.

I use the lessons, devoted spirit, and work ethic that I learned from nurses every day in Congress, especially when I’m fighting for their needs. Nurses deserve a safe work environment and wellness resources to prevent burnout. We also need to invest in more nursing schools to address the nursing shortage and create an adequate nurse-to-patient ratio.

I never would have gotten to medical school, much less Congress, without the help of incredible educators along the way. There is nothing more empowering than a teacher who believes in you, your dreams, and your potential. Growing up, my teachers cared for me, not just my grades; they sparked my curiosity ablaze and fueled my dreams. When I returned home as a doctor, they invited me back to their classrooms to speak to the next generation of students. Year after year, teachers move mountains and create worlds for their students.

Teachers work tirelessly to educate and shape the next generation. They deserve satisfactory pay and good retirement plans. They also need safe schools and well-equipped classrooms so that they do not need to pay out of their own pockets for school supplies.

My promise to nurses and teachers is that I will never stop fighting for you, just as you have never stopped fighting for me. We thank you for your endless dedication, strength, and kindness when helping others and for making your communities and this country a better place.

Sincerely,
Raul