About
Ivan Mefford, MD, PhD brings an exceptional scientific background to family medicine in Richmond, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with honors from Kentucky State University in 1974. He then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Kansas, graduating with honors in 1978. Dr. Mefford later earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1995. He completed his Family Practice residency at the University of Texas Memorial Family Practice program in Houston, where he served as Chief Resident from 1997 to 1998.
Dr. Mefford holds board certification in Family Medicine. He has served as Supervisor for the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board Family Practice Residency Program's Rural Rotation since 2006. He served as Chief of Staff at OakBend Medical Center in 2004. Consumers' Research Council of America named him one of America's Top Family Doctors every year from 2003 through 2012. He is a member of Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society and received a Presidential Citation from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education in 1987. Dr. Mefford is passionate about diabetes management. He has published peer-reviewed research on proton pump inhibitors as a treatment approach for type 2 diabetes and served as Primary Investigator on five clinical trials since 2008. Outside medicine, he owns Mefford Family Farms in Kentucky, where he raises Belgian Blue cattle, and follows college basketball closely.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Kentucky State University, B.S. Chemistry, 1974 (Honors)
Medical School
Duke University School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 1995
Residency
Family Practice, University of Texas Memorial Family Practice, Houston, TX, 1995-1998; Chief Resident 1997-1998
Additional Training
University of Kansas, Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, 1978 (Honors)
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Mefford right for?
Dr. Mefford is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term family medicine relationship with a deeply credentialed physician. Patients managing type 2 diabetes benefit from his published clinical research and ongoing trial work in that area. His warm, unhurried approach suits patients who want thorough explanations and genuine engagement during visits. Patients who value direct physician access, including after-hours phone availability, will find his MDVIP model well suited to their needs.
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Family MedicineFrequently Asked Questions
Dr. Mefford specializes in Family Medicine. He has a particular clinical focus on diabetes management, including type 2 diabetes. He has published peer-reviewed research on this topic and served as Primary Investigator on five clinical trials since 2008.
Yes, Dr. Mefford holds board certification in Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Texas Memorial Family Practice program in Houston, where he served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Mefford holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Kentucky State University, a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Kansas, and a Doctorate of Medicine from Duke University School of Medicine. His scientific training informs a research-grounded approach to clinical care.
Yes, Consumers' Research Council of America named Dr. Mefford one of America's Top Family Doctors each year from 2003 through 2012. He also belongs to Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society and received a Presidential Citation from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education in 1987.
Dr. Mefford maintains affiliations with OakBend Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, and Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. He served as Chief of Staff at OakBend Medical Center in 2004.
Yes, Dr. Mefford has published several peer-reviewed studies. His research includes work on proton pump inhibitors as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, published in Medical Hypotheses and Family Medicine. He has also served as Primary Investigator on five clinical trials since 2008.
Dr. Mefford believes office visits should feel comfortable and unhurried. He takes time to explain medical concerns clearly and gives each patient his full attention. Patients frequently describe him as warm, engaged, and thorough.
Yes, MDVIP members can reach Dr. Mefford by phone after hours and on weekends. This direct access is a core feature of his practice through the MDVIP network.
Doctor profile last updated June 6, 2026