About
Dr. Josh Starbuck, MD, DABIM, FMCP-M, founded Makena Health in Wailea, Maui in 2021. He holds board certification in Internal Medicine, certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine, and a Peptide Therapy certification from the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance (SSRP) Institute. He trained under peptide therapy pioneer Dr. William Seeds and maintains ongoing education through the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Group and A4M.
Dr. Starbuck completed his Internal Medicine residency at Tufts University/Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine in 2015. Before founding Makena Health, he spent five years as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at Maui Memorial Medical Center. There, he served as Assistant Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program and chaired the Utilization Management and Performance Improvement Committees. He earned his MD from Saba University School of Medicine in 2012 and graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 2008 with a BS in Cross-Cultural Interaction and Public Health Strategy. During his second year of residency, Dr. Starbuck was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy after acute renal failure. He underwent hemodialysis and received a life-saving kidney transplant from his sister. That experience reshaped his approach to medicine, driving his focus on root-cause care, longevity, and integrative medicine. Dr. Starbuck is an active member of Longevity Docs, Private Physician Alliance, Next Generation Medicine, A4M, and the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Group.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Massachusetts–Amherst, B.S. Cross-Cultural Interaction and Public Health Strategy (cum laude, 2008)
Medical School
Saba University School of Medicine (MD, 2012)
Residency
Internal Medicine, Tufts University/Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine (completed 2015)
Additional Training
Previously practiced at Tufts University/Maine Medical Center; Internal Medicine Hospitalist at Maui Memorial Medical Center (5 years); Assistant Medical Director of Hospitalist Program; chaired Utilization Management and Performance Improvement Committees; advanced certification in Peptide Therapy from Seeds Scientific Research & Performance (SSRP) Institute
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Starbuck right for?
Dr. Starbuck works well with adults who want a proactive, root-cause approach to their health. Patients managing chronic conditions such as hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, thyroid dysfunction, or autoimmune disease benefit from his integrative framework. He serves patients focused on longevity who want advanced diagnostics and personalized optimization plans. Executives seeking a comprehensive annual health assessment find his Executive Physical Program particularly well-suited. Patients who value direct physician access, home visits, and rapid communication will feel at home in his practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Starbuck treats a broad range of conditions including hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, inflammation, weight management challenges, and atrial fibrillation. He also provides integrative and supportive care for cancer patients and treats IgA nephropathy. His functional medicine training allows him to address root causes rather than just manage symptoms.
Yes. Dr. Starbuck holds board certification in Internal Medicine through ABIM. He also holds certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine and a Peptide Therapy certification from the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance (SSRP) Institute.
Dr. Starbuck earned his MD from Saba University School of Medicine in 2012. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at Tufts University/Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine in 2015. Before founding Makena Health, he practiced at Tufts University/Maine Medical Center and spent five years as a hospitalist at Maui Memorial Medical Center.
Dr. Starbuck builds each longevity plan on comprehensive diagnostics first. He uses multi-omic biomarker analysis, genomic profiling, body composition testing, metabolic analysis, and VO2 max testing to establish a clear baseline. From there, he creates a personalized roadmap incorporating hormone and peptide optimization, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, IV Nutrient Therapy, Red Light Therapy, and precision supplementation.
Yes. Dr. Starbuck offers medically supervised Peptide Therapy at Makena Health. He trained directly under peptide therapy pioneer Dr. William Seeds and maintains ongoing education through the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Group. Peptide therapy at Makena Health targets inflammation reduction, energy, recovery, weight management, cellular repair, and anti-aging support.
Yes. Dr. Starbuck provides physician home visits for his concierge members. Patients and their families have noted his availability for home visits and his responsiveness to calls and emails, including after hours. IV Nutrient Therapy is also available in the home.
Dr. Starbuck is an active member of Longevity Docs, Private Physician Alliance, Next Generation Medicine, A4M, and the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Group. These memberships keep him engaged with emerging science, clinical innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in longevity and functional medicine.
Dr. Starbuck's commitment to root-cause medicine is personal. During his residency, he was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy following acute renal failure, underwent hemodialysis, and received a kidney transplant from his sister. That experience gave him a patient's perspective and deepened his commitment to uncovering underlying causes of illness rather than managing symptoms alone.
Yes. Dr. Starbuck offers a comprehensive Hormone Replacement Therapy program that targets balanced optimization of key hormones including estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid, and adrenal hormones. He uses cutting-edge science to restore hormone levels to their optimal range and offers pellet implantation when appropriate.
Yes. Dr. Starbuck offers unlimited telehealth to his concierge members. Virtual visits provide the same direct access as in-office appointments and allow members to connect with Dr. Starbuck from anywhere.
Doctor profile last updated April 2, 2026