About
Joseph J. Walters, MD brings one of medicine's more unconventional paths to his Saratoga family practice. Before earning his MD, he pursued an acting career in New York City for roughly seven years after attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He returned to academics at Columbia University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a Minor in Latin Studies and Pre-Med coursework in 1989.
Dr. Walters earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1993, then completed his residency in family medicine there. Before relocating to California, he worked at a satellite clinic of Albany Medical College and later in Livermore before opening his Saratoga practice in 1999. He also serves as a hospitalist at two local hospitals. CheckBook Consumer magazine named him one of the Bay Area's top 25 physicians in 2010. Patients consistently describe him as thorough, warm, and quick to build lasting bonds. His wife, Dr. Beverly Barboza, also practices medicine in the same office. He lives in Los Gatos with Dr. Barboza and their two children.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Columbia University, BA in English Literature, Minor in Latin Studies, Pre-Med (1989)
Medical School
Albany Medical College, MD (1993)
Residency
Family Medicine, Albany Medical College
Additional Training
American Academy of Dramatic Arts (pre-medicine)
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Walters right for?
Dr. Walters serves patients of all ages, from children to older adults. His broad scope makes him a strong fit for families seeking a single, consistent physician. Patients managing chronic conditions benefit from his thorough, relationship-centered approach. Anyone who values direct physician access and longer appointment times will find his practice a natural match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Walters treats a wide range of conditions across the full family medicine spectrum. His scope includes chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, acute illnesses like colds and flu, and injuries requiring minor procedures. He also provides women's health and gynecological services, joint injections, and preventive screenings.
Yes, Dr. Walters cares for patients of every age. His family medicine training at Albany Medical College equipped him to treat children, adults, and older patients under one roof.
Dr. Walters earned his medical degree in 1993 and opened his Saratoga practice in spring 1999. He has practiced family medicine in the Bay Area for over two decades.
Yes. CheckBook Consumer magazine named Dr. Walters one of the top 25 physicians in the Bay Area in 2010. Patients consistently describe him as thorough, warm, and skilled at building lasting doctor-patient relationships.
Dr. Walters attended Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a Minor in Latin Studies. He then earned his MD from Albany Medical College in 1993 and completed his family medicine residency there as well.
He does. Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Walters trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and spent roughly seven years pursuing an acting career in New York City. He later returned to academics at Columbia University before earning his MD.
Yes. Dr. Walters performs minor sutures and joint injections in the office. This allows patients to handle many acute needs without a separate specialist referral or urgent care visit.
Yes. Dr. Walters stays reachable by phone, text, or email around the clock. Members can contact him directly for urgent questions or concerns at any time.
Yes. Lifestyle coaching and preventive medicine are core parts of Dr. Walters' practice. He provides health screenings, annual physicals, and guidance on long-term wellness alongside his clinical care.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026