Rita Starritt, MD
Dr. Rita Starritt is a board-certified internal medicine physician with more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. After earning her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, she completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Colorado. Over the course of her career, Dr. Starritt has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, including private practice, hospital medicine, hospice care, and clinical research. She has also served as a Medical Director for several healthcare organizations and previously worked as a hospitalist with Kindred Healthcare in both Denver, Colorado and San Diego, California.
In 2017, Dr. Starritt founded Weight Loss MD San Diego, a comprehensive medical weight loss clinic dedicated to helping patients improve their health through medically supervised weight management. Her interest in weight loss medicine developed during her years in traditional internal medicine practice, where she observed that many chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes were closely tied to weight-related issues. Motivated to shift from treating disease to preventing it, she created a program that utilizes evidence-based treatments, including appetite suppressants and GLP-1 medications, with plans to expand services into aesthetic and wellness care.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Starritt is passionate about global health and regularly participates in medical missions to underserved communities around the world, including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Honduras, and Haiti. She is also an accomplished athlete, competing as a semi-professional wake surfer and wake foiler, and has earned the title of World Champion in wake foiling for two consecutive years. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Starritt combines decades of medical expertise with a commitment to prevention, wellness, and service both locally and internationally.
• University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (Medical Degree)
• University of Colorado (Residency in Internal Medicine)
• World Champion Wake Foiler (2 consecutive years)
• Medical missions to Bangladesh
• Medical missions to Bolivia
• Medical missions to Honduras
• Medical missions to Haiti
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Full service weight loss using appetite suppressants/GLP-1s
- Internal medicine
- Aesthetics
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most about practicing medicine is the intersection of problem-solving and human impact.
I get to work through complex, real-time puzzles—piecing together symptoms, observations, and subtle clues—and the outcome directly affects someone’s quality of life. That combination is rare.
One of the most satisfying parts for me is the diagnostic process. I like taking scattered information and forming a clear picture. It feels like detective work, but with real stakes.
I also appreciate the balance between precision and artistry. Especially in aesthetic work, it’s not just about treating—it’s about shaping, balancing, and anticipating how small decisions will affect the overall result.
Another meaningful part is the trust patients place in me. People often come in at vulnerable moments, and being someone they rely on is something I take seriously.
I also value that medicine is always evolving. There’s always something new to learn, refine, or improve, which keeps me engaged.
Most of all, I enjoy seeing tangible change—whether that’s improved health, reduced discomfort, or increased confidence.
Locations
San Diego Weight Loss Clinic
2727 camino del rio south, suite 311 san diego, ca, San Diego, CA 92018
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