About
Dr. Josh Starbuck, MD, DABIM, FMCP-M is board-certified in Internal Medicine, certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine, and holds certification in Peptide Therapy from the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance (SSRP) Institute.
In 2021, he founded Makena Health with the vision of creating an innovative, patient-centered practice that integrates the most effective strategies from Internal Medicine, Longevity Medicine, and Functional/Integrative Medicine. His mission is to help patients reverse aspects of the aging process, enhance disease resistance, and optimize resilience for longer, healthier, more vibrant lives.
Dr. Starbuck practices precision medicine, tailoring care to the individual through advanced laboratory testing, genomic analysis, biomarker-driven supplementation, and lifestyle interventions. He emphasizes proactive, preventative healthcare rather than reactive treatment.
Dr. Starbuck is dedicated to the continual expansion of his medical knowledge, actively engaging with emerging science, clinical innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver the highest level of care. He is an active member of Longevity Docs, Private Physician Alliance, Next Generation Medicine, A4M, and the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Group.
Before establishing Makena Health, Dr. Starbuck spent five years as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he also served as Assistant Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program and chaired the Utilization Management and Performance Improvement Committees.
Earlier in his career, he practiced at Tufts University/Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, after completing his Internal Medicine internship and residency there in 2015. He earned his MD from Saba University School of Medicine (2012) and graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst in 2008 with a BS focused on Cross-Cultural Interaction and Public Health Strategy.
Dr. Starbuck’s Experience as a Patient
Dr. Starbuck’s perspective on medicine is deeply personal. In his second year of residency, he returned from a surf trip feeling unwell and short of breath. A visit to the emergency department revealed acute renal failure, leading to a week-long hospitalization, a kidney biopsy, and a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy. He soon began hemodialysis and, thanks to a life-saving donation from his sister, underwent a kidney transplant.
This experience profoundly reshaped his approach to medicine. Having lived through the vulnerability of serious illness, Dr. Starbuck developed a commitment to uncovering root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. That journey—both as a patient and a physician—set him on the path toward longevity, integrative, and functional medicine, and continues to guide his practice today.
Patient Testimonials
“In 2019, my husband, Peter, and I felt lost, scared, and stressed after months in the healthcare maze of surgeries and treatments for Peter’s colon cancer. When Dr. Starbuck took the helm of Peter’s care, everything fell into place and we finally felt we were in safe, caring hands and on the road to Peter’s recovery. Dr. Starbuck tackled the coordination of surgeons, oncologists, and specialists to optimize all available resources for care, recovery, and rehabilitation — a considerable challenge when working from Maui. He also provided the counsel and encouragement to direct Peter back to a healthy lifestyle. Now that Peter is fully recovered, Dr. Starbuck continues to be very flexible and available to answer questions and concerns. He always returns phone calls and emails quickly (and he’s even been known to make a home visit — amazing). We are grateful for Dr. Starbuck’s solid conventional and holistic healthcare recommendations, and we are healthier and happier by following his advice. We want to keep Dr. Starbuck at the center of our family wellness team. We can’t recommend him highly enough as a Primary Care Physician.”
— Patient Review
“We learn in life, that nothing is more important than our health. Being healthy allows me to focus on my wife, my three children, and my work. In the pursuit of health, I’ve become a student in so many aspects of my body and my mind. I listen, I learn, and I take advice from those that are way smarter than me. I’ve learned, that one of the most important components of staying on top of my health, is a Doctor that’s in line with functional medicine. A Doctor that believes in protocols around healthy foods, vitamins, rest, and sleep, not just medications. Dr. Josh has been that for me and my family. From blood work and consultations, to text messages at all hours of the night, Dr. Josh is there when it matters most. Bottom line, having him is invaluable!”
— Patient Review
“Unfortunately most of allopathic medicine these days is focused on a one size fits all approach. Insurance and other constraints make it very difficult for the best intentioned physician to take the time that is required to get to the root cause of a patients condition or symptoms. Too often we are given a medication to take care of the symptom only to need another pill to alleviate the side effects. Dr. Josh Starbuck has created a medical practice that allows him to take the time needed to provide personalized medicine to his patients. My stress level has improved immensely! Thank you Dr Starbuck!”
— Patient Review
“During undoubtedly the most emotional and confusing time anyone in my family has ever experienced with my father, Peter, deep in the trenches of a battle with cancer, Dr. Starbuck helped make perfect sense of the entire process and led my Dad through a healthy transformation. His calm and intelligent leadership and presence changed my entire family's understanding and outlook on the whole situation. Above all of that Dr. Starbuck was able to help transform my Dad's routines back to an incredibly healthy lifestyle that has given him a new lease on life. The nightmarish scenario turned into a blessing in disguise with Dr. Starbuck coming into our lives. Dr. Starbuck is someone I hold in the highest regard for medical counsel and is absolutely your final stop if you are looking for a primary care physician.”
— Patient Review
“I am so grateful to Dr. Josh for showing up in an emergency when I had never met him. Previously, two close friends of mine had recommended him but I never felt the need to pursue his care. One day, I went into an erratic heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. I went to the emergency room and a procedure called cardioversion was recommended but i was too scared to pursue this treatment. I went home and the symptoms returned with a heart rate of 145 and shortness of breath. I decided it was time to call Dr. Josh and within 2 hours he was at my door! He had already reviewed my hospital records and subsequently spent 90 minutes reviewing my medical history, performing an exam and creating a plan. He spoke with one of the hospital cardiologists and arranged for me to go back the next morning for cardioversion after assuring me it was a safe procedure. I did and and it turned out that the stopping and re-starting of my heart put me back into a normal sinus rhythm. He also recommended other local cardiologists that were able to get me in for a follow up within 1 week and arranged an appointment on Oahu with a cardiologist that specializes in electrophysiology. I am so grateful for Dr. Starbuck’s care as neither my internist nor my cardiologist return my calls. What I love about his practice is that he is well versed in western medicine but also in different holistic modalities thereby offering a much broader perspective on my overall health and wellness. I love that he answers my texts (i actually have his cell phone number) and is available for me. House calls and accessibility are a true gift at this stage of my life and with my tricky ticker.
— Patient Review