Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital Welcomes General Surgeon Tanya Starr, DO

RHINELANDER, Wis. - Aspirus Health is pleased to welcome Tanya Starr, DO, to the medical staff at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, where she is now seeing patients at 2251 N. Shore Drive in Rhinelander.

Dr. Starr brings comprehensive surgical training and expertise in open, laparoscopic, endoscopic, minimally invasive, and robotic surgical techniques. Her clinical experience spans bariatric surgery, trauma surgery, emergency general surgery, and advanced endoscopic procedures. She completed her general surgery residency through the HCA Midwest Division General Surgery Residency Program in Kansas City, training across five hospital systems, including Level I trauma centers and high-volume robotic surgery programs.

Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Dr. Starr earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree with honors from the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. She previously completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with distinction from Liberty University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Throughout her training, Dr. Starr served as Chief Resident, mentored surgical trainees, contributed to research publications and national presentations, and developed a strong commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Starr to our surgical team and the Rhinelander community," said Zoey Durkee, Manager, Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic - N Shore. "Her advanced surgical training, dedication to patient-centered care, and experience with minimally invasive and robotic techniques will further strengthen the high-quality surgical services available to patients throughout northern Wisconsin."

Growing up in Minnesota, Dr. Starr developed a passion for helping others and serving her community. Her commitment to medicine was further shaped during a medical mission experience in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon, where she worked alongside surgeons caring for patients in a resource-limited setting.

"From an early age, I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people," Dr. Starr said. "My experiences in medicine, particularly serving patients during a medical mission in Cameroon, reinforced the importance of providing compassionate, high-quality care and inspired me to pursue a career in surgery."

Dr. Starr believes exceptional surgical care is built on teamwork, collaboration, and a shared commitment to each patient. Her training across multiple states and healthcare systems strengthened her appreciation for the difference accessible, high-quality surgical care can make in communities.

"I believe the best surgical outcomes happen when patients, families, surgeons, nurses, and the entire care team work together," Dr. Starr said. "My goal is to build trusted relationships with patients while providing personalized care and helping them feel informed and supported throughout their surgical journey."

Serving patients in northern Wisconsin and the surrounding area was an important motivation in Dr. Starr's decision to join Aspirus Health.

"Coming back to this region feels like coming home," Dr. Starr said. "I'm honored to serve the communities that helped shape who I am and to provide advanced surgical care close to home for patients across northern Wisconsin."

Dr. Starr's professional interests include minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, bariatric surgery, endoscopy, emergency general surgery, and trauma surgery.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, cooking, camping, outdoor activities, and spending time with family.