Davina Martinez

Davina Martinez is an addiction counselor who cares for patients with liver diseases. She has a particular interest in care that considers the effects of past trauma, supports long-term recovery, and empowers patients to meet their health goals through behavioral changes. She is experienced in supporting patients and their families through the process of organ transplantation.

Martinez's research focuses on intergenerational trauma and its health effects on Native American populations, as well as the significance of providing culturally appropriate care to address metabolic disease, mental illness and substance use dependence.

Martinez earned her master of social welfare and master of public health degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. She completed a social work fellowship in cardiovascular and pediatric intensive care services at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford.

Prior to joining UCSF, Martinez was an investigator and manager at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for nearly 20 years. She has provided psychotherapy and taught recovery skills to Veterans Affairs patients with severe mental illness and substance use dependence. She also has worked as a community health educator serving Native American populations.

Martinez is a member of the UCSF Native American Health Alliance, which works to elevate issues related to Native American health care and representation. She is also a member of the Association for Addiction Professionals and Society for Transplant Social Workers.

Martinez's personal interests include photography, traveling, cooking, cycling and reading.