About NorthStar Medical Specialists

Zachary Webb, MD

Medical Director, Sleep Medicine

Dr. Zachary Webb is medical director of sleep medicine at Northstar Medical Specialists and focuses his practice entirely on the management of sleep disorders. He is board certified in neurology and Sleep Medicine. In 2005 he completed his neurology residency and fellowship training and moved to the Bellingham area.

Dr. Webb has an interest in all aspects of sleep medicine. He considers good communication to be vital to diagnosing and treating his patients. “Most sleep problems are treatable. Helping patients understand the cause of their sleep disorder is instrumental in successfully treating the problem.”

Dr. Webb’s wife is also a physician, who practices pediatrics in Mount Vernon. They moved to this area one year ago because of proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, as well as having family nearby in Seattle. Both he and his wife grew up in the Pacific Northwest and had always hoped to set up their practices in this region. In his free time, Dr. Webb can be found biking, hiking, spending time with his wife, woodworking, and gardening.

Earl Franklin, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Sleep Medicine

Earl began his medical career as a EMT/Medic in the 1980s. He then became a Registered Nurse and worked as an RN in various positions while obtaining a BS degree in Biochemistry from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He attended Northeastern University in Boston to become a Physician Assistant, graduating in September of 1993. Earl moved to Bellingham in 1994 and worked for 6 years practicing in Asthma and Allergy. He then worked for 15 years at a large multi specialty clinic doing urgent care for Internal and Family Medicine departments.

Earl joined NorthStar Medical Specialists in 2016 to work in the Sleep Medicine Department. “People often underestimate the importance of sleep and how much it can affect their overall health and well being.”

Earl enjoys spending time with his family, doing CrossFit, spending time outside working in the yard and hiking, riding motorcycles and playing as well as building guitars.

Stephanie Linnell, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Sleep Medicine

Stephanie graduated from the Physician Assistant program at Midwestern University in 2009, launching a rewarding career in Family Medicine before dedicating the majority of her practice to Urgent Care. Her extensive experience has fueled a passion for improving patients’ quality of life, and she is thrilled to bring her expertise to the NorthStar Medical Specialists team to help individuals achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Before becoming a Physician Assistant, Stephanie earned dual undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University, where she also competed as a collegiate golfer. Her background reflects a dedication to health, wellness, and teamwork, which she continues to embody in her professional and personal life.

Outside of work, Stephanie loves embracing the great outdoors, traveling to new destinations, baking delicious treats, and cherishing time with family and friends.

Marlyn El-Diqran, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Sleep Medicine

Marlyn completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. She then attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant program in South Texas where she obtained her Master of Physician Assistant Studies. After completing the program, she became a certified Physician Assistant (PA) and worked in Family Medicine for 5 years in the Houston, Texas area.
After navigating Houston traffic and hurricanes for over 30 years she decided to move up to the PNW, with her spouse and senior dog, and join NorthStar Medical Specialists at the end of 2024.

As a medical provider her clinical interests are in improving overall community health in patients of all ages and cultures. Marlyn is a native Spanish speaker and is excited to bring her skills to the PNW.

Prior to becoming a PA, Marlyn traveled as often as she could in Central and South America, then lived in Ecuador for 3 months. Since then, she has continued to search for adventure close to home. When not in the office Marlyn enjoys: Hiking, biking, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, roadtripping, camping, and hygge.

Dr. David Lauter, M.D., FACS

Medical Director, Bariatric Medicine

Dr. Lauter joined the NorthStar Medical Specialists staff as Bariatric Medical Director in 2016. Dr. Lauter went to undergraduate school at Oberlin College and received his Doctorate of Medicine from University of Rochester in 1986. He completed his general surgery internship at the University of Washington and his general surgery residency at the University of California at San Diego in 1991.

He has practiced surgery in the Pacific Northwest since 1992. During that time his private practice has included general, vascular, surgical oncology, bariatric and minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

In 2012, he closed his private practice to allow time to pursue a number of other interests including overseas humanitarian surgery with Doctors Without Borders/MSF. Since then, he has worked with MSF in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The success of bariatric weight loss ultimately depends upon a patient’s commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, which is why it is so important that every patient undergo complete evaluation as well as begin a program grounded in success from the start. This is what NorthStar has always provided and the advantage of a complete and locally based program has to offer.”

Anna Peters, ARNP

Nurse Practitioner, Bariatric Medicine

Dr. Lauter joined the NorthStar Medical Specialists staff as Bariatric Medical Director in 2016. Dr. Lauter went to undergraduate school at Oberlin College and received his Doctorate of Medicine from University of Rochester in 1986. He completed his general surgery internship at the University of Washington and his general surgery residency at the University of California at San Diego in 1991.

He has practiced surgery in the Pacific Northwest since 1992. During that time his private practice has included general, vascular, surgical oncology, bariatric and minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

In 2012, he closed his private practice to allow time to pursue a number of other interests including overseas humanitarian surgery with Doctors Without Borders/MSF. Since then, he has worked with MSF in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The success of bariatric weight loss ultimately depends upon a patient’s commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, which is why it is so important that every patient undergo complete evaluation as well as begin a program grounded in success from the start. This is what NorthStar has always provided and the advantage of a complete and locally based program has to offer.”

Lily Chang, MD, FACS

Minimally Invasive / Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Lauter joined the NorthStar Medical Specialists staff as Bariatric Medical Director in 2016. Dr. Lauter went to undergraduate school at Oberlin College and received his Doctorate of Medicine from University of Rochester in 1986. He completed his general surgery internship at the University of Washington and his general surgery residency at the University of California at San Diego in 1991.

He has practiced surgery in the Pacific Northwest since 1992. During that time his private practice has included general, vascular, surgical oncology, bariatric and minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

In 2012, he closed his private practice to allow time to pursue a number of other interests including overseas humanitarian surgery with Doctors Without Borders/MSF. Since then, he has worked with MSF in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The success of bariatric weight loss ultimately depends upon a patient’s commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, which is why it is so important that every patient undergo complete evaluation as well as begin a program grounded in success from the start. This is what NorthStar has always provided and the advantage of a complete and locally based program has to offer.”

Sophia Tallberg

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist

Sophia Graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences. Shortly after, she decided to continue her education and interest in exercise science, by earning her certification in personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Sophia joined the North Star Medical Specialist team in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation department in 2022 after moving to the Bellingham area from her hometown in Alaska. Sophia has been active in sports and exercise all her life and hopes to inspire others through movement.

During her free time, Sophia enjoys weightlifting, taking her dog on runs, hiking, skiing, volleyball or anything that keeps her active. She also enjoys cooking, traveling and expanding her book collection.

Donald Berry, MD

Medical Director, Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Dr. Donald Berry has been practicing Pulmonology since 1984 and is certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine. In 1971, he received his BA at Haverford College, Pennsylvania followed by his Doctorate of Medicine in 1979 at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York.

Dr. Berry is exceedingly active in the medical community. He is currently the director of the Critical Care Unit and Respiratory Care Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He directed the St. Joseph’s and St. Luke’s Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs before their discontinuation in 1988. His extensive background in Pulmonary Rehabilitation from the University of California, San Diego’s renowned training and research center, make his expertise uniquely valuable.

Dr. Berry grew up in New England but has made Whatcom County his home with his wife and children since 1985. In his free time, you might find Dr. Berry golfing, skiing, fly fishing, hiking with his dog or listening to classical music. He also enjoys photography.