Physicians & Staff

Dr. Minford has been practicing Hematology and Medical Oncology in Columbia since 1986 when he founded the practice. For five years prior to that, he served as a senior clinical / research fellow in the Medicine branch of the National Cancer Institute. He graduated with honors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and then completed an Internal Medicine residency at New York University Medical Center.

Dr. Minford has been a Hematology / Oncology attending physician at Howard County General Hospital and the University of Maryland Cancer Center. He is currently the Chief of Hematology / Oncology in the Department of Medicine, Howard County General Hospital. Dr. Minford treats all adult hematologic and oncologic disorders but has particular interest in breast, lung and gastointestinal cancers.

Dr. Minford and his partners have always made it a top priority to participate in and support community cancer programs and charities. The doctors, nurses and staff of the Central Maryland Oncology Center are proud of the community they serve and are especially proud of the care given to our patients.

Board certified in Medical Oncology, Dr. Koutrelakos (you can call him "Dr. K"), is a native of the Baltimore area who established his practice in Columbia, MD in 1989. After receiving his Bachelor of Sciences in Biology at the University of Delaware, Dr. Koutrelakos attended medical school at the University of Maryland. He then moved on to the Berkshire Medical School, an affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, for his residency before completing his training by embracing the Hematology/Oncology specialty at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. His primary areas of specialty include breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and hematological malignancies. He considers his work as practicing the "Art of Oncology" in a kind and compassionate manner.

A devoted husband, father, son, doctor, and friend, Dr. Koutrelakos strives to create a balanced and complete life. He has coached many of his children in their sports endeavors and takes great pride in their accomplishments. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. K loves being in the mountains, whether climbing a peak in the Tetons, hiking a mountain pass, or skiing the slopes of Jackson Hole. He sees each day as a gift, and dedicates himself fully to the people that each day brings him.

Recognized in the "Guide to America's Top Physicians" in 2003 to 2007, Dr. Knight is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology. He is also a Member of the Royal College of Physicians and a Member of the Royal College of Pathologists. He started his practice in Columbia in 1993.

After completing his undergraduate work at the University of Ghana in 1976, Dr. Knight served his internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Cambridge in England. He then went on to a rotating residency in Internal Medicine at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Guy's Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital, all in London, England. He completed his residency in Hematology at the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School, at the Hammersmith Hospital, also in London.

Dr. Knight was Senior Registrar in Hematology at the University of Cambridge from 1983 to 1987 and came to the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, as a Fogarty Guest Researcher. He completed his fellowship in Oncology and served as a Senior Staff Fellow at the National Cancer Institute. He has been an Attending Physician at Howard County General Hospital since 1993 and Montgomery General Hospital and is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland Cancer Center.

Named one of Baltimore's "Top Doc's" by Baltimore Magazine in 2000 and 2002, Dr. Lee is board certified in Medical Oncology and Hematology. After graduating from Columbia University, he received his M.D. from the State University of New York Downstate Medical College in 1976. His training in internal medicine was completed at Baltimore City Hospital, where he remained on faculty while also performing volunteer work for the U.S. Public Health Service. Pursuing his interest in healing cancers, Dr. Lee completed additional training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of Maryland in 1984, remaining on faculty until 1997.

During his academic career, Dr. Lee was chairman of the training program for five years, started the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Maryland in 1993, and wrote 50 original articles on leukemia, lymphoma, and related diseases. He entered private practice in 1997 as Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Sinai Hospital. Practicing in Columbia since 2001, Dr. Lee treats patients with all forms of cancer, maintaining a particular interest in breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphomas.

Dr. Louann Zhang completed her Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD.  She received her Medical Doctorate and completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, OK.

During her training and subsequent practice, Dr. Zhang has been an active participant in many clinical trials and developed particular interests in the following areas:

• Targeted Therapies in Breast Cancer, and
• Hematological Malignancies

As a engaged member of the medical community, Dr. Zhang volunteers at homeless shelters and community clinics.  She holds memberships with the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and is an Associate Member of the American College of Physicians.

In addition to her passion for providing dedicated care for her patients, Dr. Zhang enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family in her spare time.

To meet Dr. Zhang, or to schedule an appointment, please call (410) 964-2212.