Dr. Hidayah Martinez-Jaka grew up in Northern Virginia and is a proud graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech. At Just Cats Clinic, she is excited to provide cat-friendly medical care to your kitties of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Dr. Martinez-Jaka especially enjoys endocrinology and surgery, and emphasizes finding the best solution for the cat and the family as a whole. In addition, she is dedicated to providing empathetic end-of-life care when it is time to say goodbye.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Martinez-Jaka is involved in the greater veterinary community. As the first person in her family on both sides to become a doctor, she has firsthand knowledge of the different life experiences people have with animals and veterinary medicine. She is currently active in the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is a member of the Power of 10 Leadership program with the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. While in vet school, Dr. Martinez-Jaka served as President of the National Student American Veterinary Medical Association; she was elected to represent over 17,000 veterinary students across the country on current events and policies impacting the future of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Martinez-Jaka adores her little gray tabby, Luna, whom she rescued when her vet school cohort performed spays for local animal shelters. She is passionate about providing care to pets that are often misunderstood, inspired by her sweet pet chickens of over a decade who led her to veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Martinez-Jaka enjoys crocheting, concerts, and traveling.
