At Mission CISD, one dedicated school health professional is making a lasting impact on students’ lives—every single day. Goodside Health is proud to honor Dora Martinez, CMA, as our School Health Advocate of the Month for March 2025.

With eight years of service in Mission CISD’s Health Services Department, Dora plays a critical role in ensuring students stay healthy and ready to learn. “My role is to provide basic first aid to students, conduct routine health screenings, maintain accurate health records, track immunizations, and ensure students are up to date,” she said.

Dora’s passion for student wellness goes beyond the basics. She’s a strong advocate for linking health and academic success. “A student’s physical, emotional, and mental health directly impacts their ability to learn, focus, and engage in school activities,” she said. “When students are healthy, they have more energy to participate in class and complete assignments.”

That commitment to student well-being is why Dora embraces innovation, especially when it improves care. She credits SchoolMed with enhancing the traditional in-person health services available on campus. “SchoolMed streamlines student health management by integrating technology and helping us provide timely care,” she explained.

One standout example of that success came when a student developed a fever and their parent, two hours away, couldn’t immediately come pick them up. “Thanks to SchoolMed, we connected with a provider remotely, they issued orders for medication and further testing, and we were able to begin treatment right away,” Dora said.

Through SchoolMed, Dora is empowered to use more of her clinical training—from flu and strep testing to medication administration—all under provider guidance. “It’s allowed me to collaborate with medical professionals and enhance my medical skills,” she shared.

Above all, Dora remains committed to her mission: supporting student health so they can thrive in and out of the classroom. “My priority is to ensure the overall health and well-being of students by providing immediate care when needed, promoting healthy habits, and addressing any health concerns that may arise,” she said.

Thank you, Dora Martinez, for being a champion of student health, inspiring your community through compassion and care, and closing the gaps in children’s healthcare at Mission CISD!