Sarah Martinez, MD

Dr. Sarah Martinez is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and minimally invasive joint repair. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Dr. Martinez served ten years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, first as a flight surgeon supporting naval aviation squadrons and later as an orthopedic surgeon treating active-duty service members and their families. Her military career gave her extensive experience managing musculoskeletal injuries in demanding, resource-constrained environments and deepened her appreciation for getting people back to full function as quickly and safely as possible.

Dr. Martinez earned her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University and completed her orthopedic surgery residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she trained alongside some of the nation’s foremost military orthopedic surgeons. She then completed a prestigious sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, the practice founded by the pioneers of modern sports medicine and known for its care of professional and elite athletes. This fellowship honed her expertise in arthroscopic techniques for the knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle.

Dr. Martinez is a strong advocate for non-surgical treatment as the starting point for most orthopedic conditions. She believes that surgery should be reserved for cases where conservative measures have been given a fair opportunity and have not provided adequate relief. Her approach begins with a thorough evaluation, clear communication about the diagnosis and all available options, and a collaborative decision with the patient about the best path forward. When surgery is indicated, she favors minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques that reduce recovery time and get patients back to their lives sooner.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Martinez is passionate about serving San Diego’s diverse population, including the military families she feels a deep connection to from her years of service. She has a particular interest in treating athletes of all levels, from high school competitors to recreational weekend warriors, and takes pride in helping patients return to the activities they love. Outside of the clinic, she stays active through running, surfing, and volunteering with youth sports programs in the San Diego area.