As the driver of UTMB’s Mobile Mammography Unit, José Martinez knows more about breast health than most men.
“I’ve learned a lot driving this bus for the last three years,” said Martinez, who can be seen behind the wheel of the 40-foot state-of-the-art vehicle about four days a week. “It’s amazing to see how many women don’t have any information about breast health. They start asking me questions, and I have to be ready.”
UTMB launched the mobile program in 1999 in response to a need identified in Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast area to provide access to low-income women in desperate need of breast cancer screening. Each year, the team of expert caregivers serves about 2,500 women and visits more than 60 locations, including UTMB’s Regional Maternal and Child Health Program clinic sites.
On most days, Martinez and a mammography technologist hit the road at 7 a.m. to get to a scheduled location and perform screenings. A steady stream of patients come and go every 15 minutes—many of whom only speak Spanish. As a native Spanish speaker, Martinez isn’t afraid to transform from driver to patient advocate, and help techs communicate with patients.
“He’s an exceptional driver and overall helper,” said Madeline Goldenschue, a mammographer, who works with Martinez often. “He isn’t embarrassed to answer all sorts of questions or assist with required paperwork, and patients seem to really trust him. He’s picked up all the information along the way and now knows a lot more about breast health than he ever thought he would.”
Martinez drove 18-wheelers in Mexico before moving to Texas and getting a job at UTMB in 2010. He started as a truck driver, delivering hospital linens. When he stumbled across the opportunity to drive the mammogram van, it struck a personal chord.
“My grandmother died from breast cancer, so it gives me motivation to help others in any way that I can,” said Martinez. “I love working with people and it’s truly an honor to be here. My wife is always surprised at how much I know about women’s health—I make sure she takes care of herself, too.”
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The mobile mammography program is a component of UTMB Health’s Breast Imaging Center, which has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.
Through vital partnerships with organizations such as the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, the Komen Foundation, D’Feet Breast Cancer of Galveston County, Cancer Stop, The Ruth Kempner Endowment for Breast Cancer Screening, and Texas Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, the bus is able to provide mammograms free of charge to low-income women.
Women with breast implants can also be served, and the mammography van is equipped with a wheelchair lift to serve those with special mobility needs. The mobile van has regularly scheduled site visits in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Montgomery and Orange counties. It also participates in the Sunday Screening Mammogram Program, health fairs and other special events.
For more information on the UTMB Mobile Mammography Unit and screening eligibility criteria, as well as other activities associated with Breast Health Month, visit utmbhealth.com/breasthealth.