[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H1335-H1336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. PAUL FARMER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Dr. 
Paul Farmer, a visionary in global health, crusader for health equity, 
and accomplished physician with an unparalleled passion for social 
justice.
  Dr. Farmer was my mentor, my professor, and my friend. He was 
completely selfless, and his relentless dedication to those less 
fortunate inspired me and helped shape me into who I am today.
  His story begins in North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1959. He spent his 
childhood there and later in Tampa, Florida, where he was raised in an 
old school bus that his father had converted into a mobile home.
  Encouraged by his parents, Dr. Farmer developed a strong interest in 
the

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world around him at an early age. His intellect and incredible work 
ethic led him to excel in school and eventually to win a full 
scholarship to Duke University. It was there, at Duke, where his 
passion for service took root.
  After graduating, he traveled to Haiti, where he worked in public 
health clinics before pursuing his medical degree and doctorate in 
anthropology from Harvard University.
  In 1987, Dr. Farmer cofounded what would become his legacy, Partners 
In Health, whose mission is to bring modern medical science and high-
quality care to those most in need and serve as an antidote to despair. 
Its banner has always been ``pragmatic solidarity'' in the fight for 
health and social justice.
  Dr. Farmer also used his gifts to shape young minds and the next 
generation of providers. He served as chief of the Division of Global 
Health Equity at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and chair of 
the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical 
School.
  It was there, at Harvard Medical School, where our paths crossed in 
what proved to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. As my mentor 
and professor, Dr. Farmer embraced me, trained me, taught me, and 
encouraged me in all that I did.
  In short, I blossomed under his guidance. I was empowered under his 
wings. He taught me to channel that very same passion that I had as a 
student-activist into fighting for social justice with my medical 
training.
  I remember one day in the class when he told us all: All of you are 
now part of the elite. The mere fact that you are sitting here at 
Harvard Medical School will make you an elite.

  As someone who grew up in a trailer park and was the first generation 
of my family to graduate from high school, I immediately resisted that. 
No way. No way. Not me. How dare he say that?
  Now, I won't say what I was thinking in that moment, but ever the 
mind reader, Dr. Farmer looked me in the eyes and said: ``Yes, you, 
too, Raul.''
  His point was that now that we are at Harvard Medical School, we need 
to own that. We need to use our Harvard medical training and research 
skills for the poor and give them the best care always. It was then 
that I understood the opportunity that I had to make a difference and 
serve those suffering from inequities with the care I would provide as 
a doctor.
  I spent many years under his wing, learning from him and training 
with him to provide humanitarian aid and care. It was in the classroom 
at Harvard, in the rainforests of Chiapas, Mexico, and in the aftermath 
of the earthquake in Haiti that I learned from Paul the powerful act of 
accompaniment. I admired his humility with the people; his fierce 
advocacy with the powerful; his selflessness; and the enormous respect 
that he showed to all he cared for, regardless of income or education. 
He treated everyone as equals and worked to earn their respect.
  It is because of him that I stand before you all today, both as a 
physician and as a representative of the people.
  Dr. Farmer was a great man, a humble servant, and a fierce warrior 
for health and justice. I miss him, and I know the world will, too.
  In his memory, and in honor of all that he has done and achieved, I 
ask for all present to join me in a moment of silence.

                          ____________________