Dr. Joseph Upton is a nationally recognized physician specializing in anti-aging medicine, hormone optimization, and personalized healthcare. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1992 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Washington. After nearly a decade in traditional primary care, Dr. Upton shifted his focus to a more preventive and proactive model, inspired by the limitations he observed in conventional medicine.
Certified by the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Dr. Upton has since dedicated his career to optimizing health, vitality, and longevity. His practice emphasizes personalized treatment strategies, including hormone optimization, peptide therapy, high-quality supplementation, and evidence-based lifestyle interventions. He works closely with both men and women to help them reach their health goals, improve energy and function, and extend their “healthspan”; the years of life lived in optimal health.
In 2014, Dr. Upton became one of the first physicians to launch a comprehensive anti-aging program endorsed by wellness advocate Suzanne Somers, marking a significant milestone in the integration of age management medicine into mainstream care. He remains active in professional organizations such as the Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine and the Age Management Medicine Group, ensuring his methods are always rooted in cutting-edge research.
With a passion for innovation and patient-centered care, Dr. Upton continues to lead advancements in the field of longevity science. Outside of medicine, he enjoys staying active, spending time with his family, and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you?
I began in traditional family medicine, but over time I realized that our healthcare system was mostly reactive, focused on treating disease rather than preventing it. That realization pushed me to seek a better way. I became certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and shifted toward a more personalized, preventive approach. What truly inspired me was the potential to help people not just live longer, but live better. That’s what drives me every day. Empowering patients to feel more energetic, vital, and in control of their healthspan.
How do you make money in your field?
I operate a concierge-style wellness practice, where patients invest in customized programs tailored to their unique health needs. This includes hormone optimization, advanced diagnostics, and lifestyle medicine. My model is not dependent on insurance reimbursements, which allows for longer visits, deeper analysis, and truly individualized care. Patients are willing to pay out of pocket because they see real results. Improved energy, mood, performance, and longevity. It’s rewarding to provide care that’s proactive rather than reactive, and I think people value the investment in their long-term health.
How long did it take for your practice to become profitable?
Initially, transitioning from insurance-based primary care to a concierge wellness model was challenging. It took about two years to truly stabilize and become profitable. Building trust, educating patients on the value of a preventive approach, and establishing credibility in the anti-aging space were all crucial steps. Over time, as more patients experienced transformative results and referred others, the practice began to grow organically. It’s a long-term investment, but one that aligns with my passion for personalized medicine and sustainable health outcomes.
What’s one marketing strategy that helped grow your business?
Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful. When patients see meaningful improvements in energy, mental clarity, libido, or sleep, they naturally want to share their experience. Beyond that, aligning with wellness advocates helped build visibility and trust. I also stay active in professional networks and educational forums, which adds credibility and helps patients feel confident that they’re receiving expert, up-to-date care.
What’s the toughest decision you’ve had to make professionally?
Leaving traditional family practice was tough. I had built strong patient relationships, but I knew I couldn’t continue working in a model that didn’t allow for the kind of care I believe in. Stepping into a new space, where I had to educate people on a different way of approaching health, was risky, but necessary. In hindsight, it was the best decision I could’ve made. It allowed me to deliver more meaningful, long-term results for my patients and reignite my passion for medicine.
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing people feel better. Plain and simple. Whether it’s helping someone restore hormonal balance, overcome fatigue, or improve their quality of life, the impact is tangible and deeply rewarding. I get to work with motivated patients who are proactive about their health, which creates a strong doctor-patient partnership. Also, the constant innovation in longevity science keeps me engaged and learning. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of a field that has the potential to fundamentally change how we age.
How do you define success?
For me, success means helping people live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives. It’s not about the number of patients I see or how big the practice grows. It’s about the quality of care I deliver. If someone tells me they feel ten years younger, or that they finally have energy to play with their grandkids again, that’s success. It’s also about professional integrity: staying true to my values and leading with purpose, not pressure. That’s what keeps me grounded and fulfilled.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell myself not to be afraid to challenge the status quo. When I started in medicine, I followed the conventional path because that’s what we were taught. But I wish I had asked more questions earlier, about how we treat illness versus how we prevent it. It took time to pivot into a more proactive model, but I’m grateful I made that shift. So, my advice would be: trust your instincts, keep learning, and always be willing to redefine your path in pursuit of something better.
What’s one habit that helps you stay productive and focused?
Starting my day with intention makes a huge difference. I get up early, review my schedule, and make time for a brief workout. That anchors me. I also prioritize direct, uninterrupted patient time over administrative tasks. By blocking time for research and ongoing education, I stay sharp and informed. Limiting distractions, especially digital ones, has helped me focus more deeply on the work that matters most: listening to my patients and tailoring their care plans effectively.
What’s something most people don’t agree with you on, but you believe strongly?
Many still believe aging is an unavoidable decline, but I don’t. I believe aging can be managed, if not slowed down, then significantly improved, through proactive and personalized interventions. Hormones, lifestyle, mindset, and science all play a role. While some in traditional medicine view this approach as unconventional, I see the data and patient outcomes proving otherwise. Aging doesn’t have to mean accepting low energy, brain fog, or poor health. With the right tools and mindset, we can age with strength and purpose.