Ivan N. Mefford, MD, PhD
Family Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
OakBend Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
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Get Started Today
Fill out the form to join now, receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Mefford.
MDVIP Annual Membership Fee
MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.
Quarterly
$475.00*
Semi-Annual
$950.00*
Annual
$1,900.00*
About Ivan N. Mefford, MD, PhD
Going to the doctor should not be intimidating or anxiety provoking. When you come to my office, I want your visit to be met with comfort, caring, warmth and humor -- coordinated with professional and informed attention to your medical problems. Your health is your most important possession. A partnership built on trust and collaboration makes it possible for us to manage your most important asset together.
Residency
University of Texas, Memorial Family Practice
Houston, TX
Family Practice 1995-1998
Chief Resident 1997-1998
Houston, TX
Family Practice 1995-1998
Chief Resident 1997-1998
Internship
University of Texas, Memorial Family Practice
Houston, TX
1995-1996
Houston, TX
1995-1996
Medical School
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, NC
Doctorate of Medicine 1995
Durham, NC
Doctorate of Medicine 1995
Postgraduate
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Doctor of Philosophy, Analytical Chemistry 1978
Honors
Lawrence, KS
Doctor of Philosophy, Analytical Chemistry 1978
Honors
Undergraduate
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry 1974
Honors
Frankfort, KY
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry 1974
Honors
OakBend Medical Center
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Supervisor, Texas Higher Education Coordination Board Family Practice Residency Program, Rural Rotation 2006-present
Chief of Staff, OakBend Medical Center 2004
Chief of Staff, OakBend Medical Center 2004
America's Top Family Doctors, Consumers Research Council of America 2003-2012
Beta Kappa Chi, Scientific Honor Society
Presidential Citation: National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education 1987
Beta Kappa Chi, Scientific Honor Society
Presidential Citation: National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education 1987
Mefford, I.N., Kincl, L., Dykstra, K.H., Simpson, J.T., Markey, S.P., Dietz, S. and Wightman, R.M., Facile Oxidative Decarboxylation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid Catalyzed by Copper and Manganese Ions, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1290,224-230, 199
Burnet, P.W., Mefford, I.N., Smith, C.C., Gold, P.W. and Steinberg, E.M., Hippocampal 5-HT1A Receptor Binding Site Densities, 5-HT1A Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Abundance and Serotonin Levels Parallel the Activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adr
Mefford, I.N. and Wade, E.U., Proton pump inhibitors as a treatment method for type II diabetes, Medical Hypotheses, 73, 29-32, 2009.
Mefford. I., Crouch, M.A. and Wade, E., Effect of concomitant proton pump inhibitor therapy on type 2 diabetes control, Family Medicine, 42 (suppl 2), 2010
Crouch, M.A., Mefford, I.N. and Wade, E.U., Proton pump inhibitor therapy associated with lower glycosylated hemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes, J Am Board Fam Med, 25, 50-54, 2012
Mefford, I.N., Mefford, J.T. and Burris, C.A., Improved diabetes control and pancreatic function in a type 2 diabetic after omeprazole administration, Case Reports in Endocrinology, Volume 2012, Article ID 468609, 2012
Burnet, P.W., Mefford, I.N., Smith, C.C., Gold, P.W. and Steinberg, E.M., Hippocampal 5-HT1A Receptor Binding Site Densities, 5-HT1A Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Abundance and Serotonin Levels Parallel the Activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adr
Mefford, I.N. and Wade, E.U., Proton pump inhibitors as a treatment method for type II diabetes, Medical Hypotheses, 73, 29-32, 2009.
Mefford. I., Crouch, M.A. and Wade, E., Effect of concomitant proton pump inhibitor therapy on type 2 diabetes control, Family Medicine, 42 (suppl 2), 2010
Crouch, M.A., Mefford, I.N. and Wade, E.U., Proton pump inhibitor therapy associated with lower glycosylated hemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes, J Am Board Fam Med, 25, 50-54, 2012
Mefford, I.N., Mefford, J.T. and Burris, C.A., Improved diabetes control and pancreatic function in a type 2 diabetic after omeprazole administration, Case Reports in Endocrinology, Volume 2012, Article ID 468609, 2012
American Medical Association
Texas
Research, Clinical Trials (Especially related to Diabetes), Primary Investigator for 5 Clinical Trials since 2008, Gardening, Cattle (Owner of Mefford Family Farms with Belgian Blue Cows in Kentucky) and College Basketball
Benefits of joining Dr. Mefford's practice with MDVIP
MDVIP Wellness Program
Expect comprehensive screenings and tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.
Better Doctor-Patient Relationship
97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP).
Same/Next-Day Appointments
See Dr. Mefford quickly and take your time during each appointment.
Reachable 24/7
Reach Dr. Mefford by phone after-hours and on weekends.
Smaller Practice Size
MDVIP practices are smaller than most primary care practices, which means your doctor has more time to help you.
Your Dedicated Doctor
See Dr. Mefford when you go to the office — not someone else like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant
Travel Benefits
If you need urgent care while traveling, your physician can help arrange your care with a local hospital, pharmacy or doctor.
Medical Centers of Excellence
For patients who need care beyond what is available locally, MDVIP can connect your doctor with specialists at some of the country’s leading medical institutions
Better Health Outcomes
Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
The office of Ivan N. Mefford, MD, PhD
Hours
| Mon | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
My husband and I met and became patients when Dr. Mefford opened his practice in Richmond at the now Oak Bend Professional Building. Because he is such a caring and good doctor his practice grew rapidly. Consequently, for all of his patients, the waiting times grew longer.
We were glad when he joined concierge medicine and MDVIP. It has made a huge difference and had a positive impact on our…
Cynthia
April 14, 2024
I wanted to become a part of MDVIP because Dr. Mefford became a MDVIP doctor. He was my Aunt's and Mother's doctor (before MDVIP) and then became mine! His whole Office Team (thank y'all too!) treats me with respect and kindness and love and I am so grateful to have him as my doctor! He is never in a rush during my appointment and he'll explain in detail anything I need to…
Ruby
March 10, 2024
Dr. Ivan Mefford is an avid basketball fan including his own history of playing basketball during his childhood. He has put together a March Madness challenge for all of his patients to selectively choose what team they think will win the March Madness tournament!
It shows how much he wants his patients to share a common theme under his watchful care and it is truly appreciated by everyone…
It shows how much he wants his patients to share a common theme under his watchful care and it is truly appreciated by everyone…
Tracy
March 10, 2024
Dr. Ivan Mefford is always willing to talk to me whether I am really sick or not , to boost my spirits and make me feel better....some time in ones life you need that !..Even small steps will get you where you are going
Barbara
February 11, 2024
Reviews from the web
04/30/2025
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Rosalinda Morales Is great I am so appreciative to her. She caught my Lupus when other doctor just blew me off and literally put on my chart “person fieging illness” so I couldn’t or wouldn’t see dr because of it. I am forever grateful for you and the team you have at the office
03/17/2025
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Dr Mefford was extremely patient and compassionate during my grandmother's final years. His counsel and advice to her and our family helped us maintain a high quality of life for her. She always felt heard during visits and he explained things several ways until she understood.
03/16/2025
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I have been seeing Dr Mefford since 2003. He is the kind of family physician everyone should have but rarely gets anymore. 100% satisfied.
02/24/2025
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A family nature is experienced with every phone or medical visit. The encounters, just feels like home and family.
12/14/2024
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Such a great Dr. He and his practice are friendly, thorough, and professional.
11/14/2024
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Dr. Ivan is caring, attentive, knowledgeable, I feel like he will make sure I'm healthy and positive about my treatment. Thank you
06/18/2024
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I am a new patient of Dr. Mefford's office, and I can honestly say that his staff is absolutely fantastic. Nurse practitioner Anthony Lundquist attended to me with genuine concern and compasion to which I cannot thank him enough.
I witnessed professionalism on a scale that I have not seen in a doctors office in quite some time. From the moment I walked through the front door, I was treated with a genuine concern for my well being by every staff member I encountered, all of which were incredibly kind.
After I arrived, I sat in a comfortable clean waiting room (with a full cell signal)for no longer then 15 minutes before I was being seen. Nurse practioner Lundquist was professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. I could go on and on about how wonderful this doctors office is.
I was treated with dignity, respect, and genuine concern. I actually went in a day early to make this office my new permanent Physician after be treated there the first time one week earlier. I would recommend this office to anyone, and am already talking to my wife, and a coworker about changing to Dr. Mefford's office as soon as possible.
At my last doctor of over a decade I had grown accustomed to waiting ridiculously long periods past my appointment time before I was seen in a cramped waiting room (with no cell signal at all) only to be treated like just another dollar sign, insurance claim, or basically cattle. I will be recommending this doctors office to everyone I know.
I had been in a bad accident, but with Mr Lundquist's treatment I am now able to comfortable recuperate.
I witnessed professionalism on a scale that I have not seen in a doctors office in quite some time. From the moment I walked through the front door, I was treated with a genuine concern for my well being by every staff member I encountered, all of which were incredibly kind.
After I arrived, I sat in a comfortable clean waiting room (with a full cell signal)for no longer then 15 minutes before I was being seen. Nurse practioner Lundquist was professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. I could go on and on about how wonderful this doctors office is.
I was treated with dignity, respect, and genuine concern. I actually went in a day early to make this office my new permanent Physician after be treated there the first time one week earlier. I would recommend this office to anyone, and am already talking to my wife, and a coworker about changing to Dr. Mefford's office as soon as possible.
At my last doctor of over a decade I had grown accustomed to waiting ridiculously long periods past my appointment time before I was seen in a cramped waiting room (with no cell signal at all) only to be treated like just another dollar sign, insurance claim, or basically cattle. I will be recommending this doctors office to everyone I know.
I had been in a bad accident, but with Mr Lundquist's treatment I am now able to comfortable recuperate.
06/12/2024
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I love every doctor and staff here. Just not crazy about the lab tech. But other than that they are all great. 😊
03/15/2024
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Excellent care and personalization with staff who knows your name and who you are is a wonderful part of MD VIP!
02/02/2024
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Great Communication from front desk Ms. Kelly to the PA Anthony. He listens to every single concern. Highly highly recommended!!!!
01/29/2024
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Dr.Mefford is great at what he does. He truly cares about his patients and takes his time to explain the answers to all my concerns. Thank you for everything.
09/27/2023
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I've been coming here for years, no problems
06/12/2023
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I’ve been a patient for dr MEFFORD or one of his NP’s for years. He is not only extremely intelligent but he has the best bed side manner I have ever seen. Very kind, wonderful man and so is is whole staff and front end staff.
03/13/2023
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Great doctor and staff. Lucky to be Dr. Mefford's patient! Thank you for always doing an excellent job taking care of my husband and me! THANKS!
03/03/2023
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Dr ibrahim is amazing! He takes his time and listens to your concerns. Most importantly he is very smart! Very happy to have found a great family dr.
01/26/2023
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Dr. Mefford is an incredibly instinctive physician when it comes to managing my health. His Wellness Exam includes a CIMT and he also scans your aorta, unheard of in most practices.
His staff is awesome and treats every patient like they are family.
Thank you for for taking such good care of me and also my kiddo!
His staff is awesome and treats every patient like they are family.
Thank you for for taking such good care of me and also my kiddo!
09/01/2022
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I saw several different doctors before O chose Dr Mefford. He is kind and caring. He gives you his time, which is rare these days. Makes sure you understand everything. It doesn't get much better.
03/20/2022
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I would highly recommend Dr. Mefford. My prior PCP was Dr. Denise Guiffrida who was excellent but took a well deserved retirement. I have not been disappoointed with changing PCP's. It worked out great - Dr. Mefford is closer regarding driving distance and provides seminars to the community I now live in. I would highly recommend his practice.
02/25/2022
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Dr Mefford is amazing. He Always responds timely and I feel very comfortable asking him anything about my help, I hope he doesn't retire soon!!!
02/18/2022
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MD VIP Is a great Program, giving you control over your healthcare needs in an uncontrollable world!
02/18/2022
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Dr. Mefford and his staff are excellent. I feel very well taken care of and enjoy my annual visits.
01/28/2022
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Terrible experience system not verified on their end and told me something different. Also, receptionist speaking in Spanish and using wrong vocabulary they should watch what they are saying since they don’t know who understand what they are saying. Worst doctor visit I ever had.
10/28/2020
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I have a Medicare Advantage Plan and normally see the nurse practitioners there. Perfectly happy with the arrangement. I have been with them for over 3 years.
02/14/2020
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Dr. Mefford is extremely knowledgeable and patient in dealing with his patients. Very knowledgeable in all aspects of medicine.
03/18/2019
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Great Dr and Great staff! Exceeds all expectations!
02/14/2019
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My daughter, an E.R. nurse, introduced us to Dr. Mefford to me years ago. She was impressed with his patient care and work ethic. She was right, so am I.
01/14/2019
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Staff & Doctors are AMAZING!!!
10/30/2018
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Dr. Mefford is one of the best medical doctors on the planet - he takes personal interest in his patients, his staff, and has a wonderful practice designed to provide the ultimate in health care.
10/29/2018
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There is no other doctor or staff like Dr. Mefford and his supporting team! I have been a patient for many years and nothing has changed from the first office visit up until recently! Everyone is professional, helpful, courteous, knowledgeable and they offer the best customer service! I can honestly say that they are the best!
10/26/2018
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Dr. Mefford and his staff truly care for each patient. Dr. Mefford's medical knowledge and experience are second to none. Coupled with the friendliness and warmth of a comfortable family-oriented office environment, there is no reason to go anywhere else. Dr. Mefford and his staff are simply the best.
10/22/2018
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Absolutely best doctor I've ever met. I am 64 and he has been my doctor over twenty years. Honest, dedicated, trustworthy, caring and supportive. I trust him with my families and my life what else can be said. Thank you Dr. Mefford you are definitely one of a kind....huel
04/07/2018
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I have never in my life received such great healthcare! I absolutely LOVE this office!! I won’t lie, just about every time I go for an appointment, I’ve had to be prepared to wait past my own appointment time due to their statement and sign on the door saying, “Please forgive and delays as we are devoted to giving each patient the best of care”. So honestly, I’m not complaining one bit due to having found such wonderful doctors! Once you’re in the room with the doctor you’ll totally understand! You will never just be told told
I’m not one of Dr. Mefford’s VIP patients, so I don’t have the awesome features it gives such as having the ability to call or text Dr. Mefford at any time necessary. I think it’s like a $500 cost to become a VIP patient, I know a lot of people opt for this due to him being an amazing doctor! Also, I’m not able to see him during appointments because of that, but if either nurse practitioners are unsure of the correct plan of treatment, they will in fact go directly to him and talk about what to do.
I see the nurse practitioner name Dr. Elizabeth Prather. She’s my most favorite doctor I’ve ever had in my life. She’s soooo knowledgably about absolutely everything I’ve gone in the office for. And I even have 2 very rare nerve diseases and most doctors besides very knowledgeable specialists, most have never even hear of the diseases and therefore have no idea to treat it. Dr. Liz will make you feel like the doctor you’re seeing is like you mum in the way she truly cares about everything little thing you want to cover in an appointment. She truly cares about your health. I absolutely HATE going to doctor appointments, but this lady makes me feel right at home and at ease when she comes into the room
I’ve also seen the other nurse practitioner, Dr. Melissa Rubio. She’s a lot younger than Dr. Liz, but she is also very very knowledgeable in how to treat whatever it is you’re going in for. She is also very, very sweet and makes you feel comfortable being there with her. She’s very empathetic.
I’ve used this office for many years, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. So, if you’re looking for good place to go, whether you’ve lived here for awhile or are new to the area and on the search, I highly recommend this office. Most all insurances are accepted too. I’m on disability, so I have Medicare and Medicaid, and I’m covered 😉
I’m not one of Dr. Mefford’s VIP patients, so I don’t have the awesome features it gives such as having the ability to call or text Dr. Mefford at any time necessary. I think it’s like a $500 cost to become a VIP patient, I know a lot of people opt for this due to him being an amazing doctor! Also, I’m not able to see him during appointments because of that, but if either nurse practitioners are unsure of the correct plan of treatment, they will in fact go directly to him and talk about what to do.
I see the nurse practitioner name Dr. Elizabeth Prather. She’s my most favorite doctor I’ve ever had in my life. She’s soooo knowledgably about absolutely everything I’ve gone in the office for. And I even have 2 very rare nerve diseases and most doctors besides very knowledgeable specialists, most have never even hear of the diseases and therefore have no idea to treat it. Dr. Liz will make you feel like the doctor you’re seeing is like you mum in the way she truly cares about everything little thing you want to cover in an appointment. She truly cares about your health. I absolutely HATE going to doctor appointments, but this lady makes me feel right at home and at ease when she comes into the room
I’ve also seen the other nurse practitioner, Dr. Melissa Rubio. She’s a lot younger than Dr. Liz, but she is also very very knowledgeable in how to treat whatever it is you’re going in for. She is also very, very sweet and makes you feel comfortable being there with her. She’s very empathetic.
I’ve used this office for many years, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. So, if you’re looking for good place to go, whether you’ve lived here for awhile or are new to the area and on the search, I highly recommend this office. Most all insurances are accepted too. I’m on disability, so I have Medicare and Medicaid, and I’m covered 😉
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors who operate in the MDVIP models typically see far fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors. That gives them more time to develop deeper doctor-patient relationships that can lead to better outcomes. They can also offer conveniences that most primary care doctors can’t, including same- and next-day appointments. They’re available after hours for urgent matters. And they have time to focus on prevention. That focus begins with the MDVIP Wellness Program, which patients pay for with their annual membership fee.
Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.
MDVIP makes wellness and prevention easier by providing your physician with innovative tools and technology. MDVIP supports your physician’s practice and seeks to eliminate barriers to a positive healthcare experience. Your doctor will determine whether and how to incorporate these tools at his/her discretion.
**The message above is a personal introduction from the physician, intended to help you get to know them better. The views, opinions, and statements expressed above are solely those of the physician and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MDVIP. This content is intended for general background purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any mentions of expertise or quality of care are personal expressions and should not be interpreted as guarantees of performance or outcomes.