Linda M. Burrell, MD in Baltimore: Medical Oncology with a Focus on Solid Tumors

Linda M. Burrell, MD is a medical oncologist practicing in Baltimore who specializes in the diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment of solid tumors, including breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers. She operates as an independent practitioner accepting referrals from primary care physicians and surgeons across the region, and maintains admitting privileges at local teaching hospitals where she coordinates inpatient cancer care alongside surgical and radiation oncology teams.

What the practice actually is

Dr. Burrell's oncology practice is a referral-based medical oncology service, not a full-scale cancer center. Medical oncology—the use of systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies—is distinct from surgical oncology and radiation oncology; patients with newly diagnosed cancer often see all three specialists in sequence. Dr. Burrell's role is to evaluate whether chemotherapy is appropriate, determine which drugs and schedules match the cancer stage and patient factors, manage side effects, and monitor response to treatment. The practice does not perform biopsies, imaging, or surgery; those are handled by surgeons and diagnostic radiologists before referral.

Specialty focus and referral pathway

Dr. Burrell's primary expertise is solid tumors—cancers of organs and tissues, as opposed to blood cancers (lymphomas and leukemias), which are managed by hematologic oncologists. Within that scope, she has particular experience in breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Patients typically arrive via referral from a surgeon (after biopsy confirms cancer) or from a primary care doctor when advanced disease is suspected. Insurance almost always requires a referral for the initial consultation; patients should verify this with their insurer and ensure their primary care physician or surgeon sends the referral before the appointment to avoid scheduling delays.

Treatment options and cost structure

Chemotherapy regimens and targeted therapies vary widely by cancer type and stage; a patient with early-stage breast cancer may receive a different drug combination than one with metastatic lung cancer, and costs reflect both the drugs chosen and the frequency of infusions. Most chemotherapy is administered in an outpatient infusion center, though some regimens require overnight hospitalization. Under Medicare, a course of chemotherapy typically ranges from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars out of pocket, depending on deductible status and whether the patient has supplemental insurance; private insurance varies significantly. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies can cost considerably more, though copay assistance programs exist through manufacturers. Patients should ask about the likely cost of their specific regimen before starting and whether the office staff can help identify manufacturer patient assistance programs if out-of-pocket costs are high. The exact cost of each drug changes quarterly; confirm current copays and out-of-pocket maximums with your insurance before the first infusion appointment.

Comparison to other Baltimore-area medical oncologists

Baltimore has multiple medical oncologists practicing independently and within hospital-based cancer programs at Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center. Dr. Burrell's independent practice offers more flexibility in scheduling and a smaller patient load than a large academic cancer center, which means potentially longer appointment times and easier access to the treating physician. However, a hospital-based program may offer more on-site supportive services (nutrition, psychology, palliative care, clinical trials) under one roof. Patients with rare cancers or those interested in clinical trials should confirm whether Dr. Burrell's practice participates in available trials before choosing; hospital-based oncology programs typically enroll more trial patients.

Who it suits and who it should not suit

Dr. Burrell's practice suits patients with solid tumors (breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian, gastric, and related cancers) who have a referral in hand and prefer to see a single oncologist over time in a quieter setting. It also suits patients whose chemotherapy regimens are straightforward and do not require daily monitoring or complex supportive care coordination. It does not suit patients with blood cancers (lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma), which require different expertise; those patients should see a hematologic oncologist. It is also not ideal for patients requiring daily on-site infusion support or those who want a multidisciplinary team meeting in real time; such patients are better served by a comprehensive cancer center.

What the first visit involves

The first appointment is typically 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Burrell reviews the pathology report, imaging studies, and any prior treatments, takes a detailed medical history, performs a physical exam, and discusses treatment options—including whether chemotherapy is recommended, which regimen is best, and what side effects to expect. She will also discuss prognosis in realistic terms. Bring a copy of the pathology report and all imaging CDs; if your surgeon or primary care doctor sent these ahead, the office will have them, but confirming avoids delays. A family member or advocate should attend if possible; oncology appointments involve significant decision-making, and a second set of ears is invaluable. The office will also discuss infusion logistics and obtain insurance authorization before the first treatment.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some early-morning and late-afternoon slots for working patients; call ahead to confirm current hours, as oncology practices occasionally adjust schedules seasonally. Street parking and a small lot are usually available, though Baltimore street parking rules vary by neighborhood; ask the office receptionist about the specific location before your first visit. Infusions are administered at a nearby outpatient center on the same schedule; travel time between the office and infusion site should be minimal.

Dr. Burrell's practice fills a gap for Baltimore patients who want focused, individual medical oncology care without the infrastructure demands of a large cancer center.