USF Digestive Diseases & Nutrition

I'm currently working as an Assistant Professor in the University of South Florida Physician Assistant Program. On Fridays, I continue to provide care to patients that require same day (acute care) appointments for USF Family Medicine.

The secret to caring for the patient is to actually CARE for the patient. Francis Peabody, MD
Living in crescendo and paying my mentors forward.

I grew up in California and Oregon enjoying beaches and the mountains. After high school I began my medical career in the United States Air Force as a Medic, serving at home and abroad. From there I earned my Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of South Florida. I practiced as a bedside nurse for 5 years while going back to school to earn my doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner, also from USF. I then joined the team hear at USF Internal Medicine and Pediatrics where I have been proudly serving this community since 2020.

Dr. Carolina Martinez is a fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in colon and rectal surgery, specializing in management of both benign and malignant colorectal disorders. Dr. Martinez uses advanced endoscopic interventions as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques to manage patients with colorectal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor dysfunction. Dr. Martinez is a compassionate physician whose primary goal is to ensure equal access to comprehensive health care. She is eager to provide consultations or second opinions for patients with colorectal conditions, including:

Benign Diseases
- Hemorrhoids
- Pelvic, anal and rectal pain
- Rectal prolapse
- Fecal incontinence
- Anal fistulas
- Anal fissures
- Constipation
- Rectal infections/STDs
- Diverticulitis
- Constipation

Cancers
- Colon cancer
- Colon polyps
- Rectal cancer
- Rectal polyps
- Anal cancer
- Anal dysplasia
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Small bowel cancers
- Appendiceal cancers
- Pelvic tumors/masses

Dr. Martinez is involved in resident and medical student education. She is a member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) as well as the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Dr. Martinez has presented and contributed to book chapters and publications related to robotic surgical techniques, as well as pre- and postcolorectal surgery indications and complications. She has participated in multiple international medical missions over the past 10 years and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Among the many awards she has received, she is a proud recipient of the National Hispanic Medical Association Outstanding Resident of the Year, Administrative Chief Resident in General Surgery, and Zukowski Humanitarianism Award in General Surgery awards.

Tanya is a Florida native and earned her Bachelor's in Science of Nursing from St. Petersburg College in 2011. She has a wide variety of nursing experience including orthopedics, pediatric cardiology and neurology and emergency medicine. She worked in the Emergency Department at Tampa General Hospital for several years specializing in pediatric emergency care as well as both adult and pediatric trauma care. She has experience as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Joining USF's Department of General Pediatrics has been her long-term goal and she is honored to be a part of our team. She is looking forward to caring for the kiddos and their families!