CARE TEAM
MELVIN LIGHTFORD, MD
Melvin Lightford, MD is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician earning his Doctorate of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Lightford, along with his wife, Dr. Carolyn Lightford, established Metro Center Healthcare Group and has skillfully managed its expansion for over the past twenty-five years.
Dr. Lightford remains active in many local academic and medical organizations including Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University and Trevecca University.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Lightford firmly stands by his professional and personal commitment to be an advocate for his community. He aims to always place his patient's health and well-being first. Dr. Lightford is a genuine home-town guy with a passion for medicine, his family and his community.
CAROLYN LIGHTFORD, MD
Carolyn Y. Lightford, MD, D.Ph. is a Family Practice Physician and co-founder/owner of Metro Center Healthcare Group along with her husband of more than 33 years, Melvin Lightford, MD.
The Doctors Lightford established their medical practice in the Nashville area in 1989.
Dr. Carolyn Lightford was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and reared in Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Texas Southern University- School of Pharmacy in Houston, Texas and her Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She is a Registered Pharmacist as well as a Medical Doctor.
Dr. Lightford is the mother of three wonderful adult children (Melvin III, Candice, Marc) and is anxiously awaiting and praying for “truckloads “of grandchildren.
Dr. Carolyn Lightford frequently refers to her medical practice as a “medical ministry” so she will incorporate her love of God and prayer therapy when appropriate. Therefore, her life is dedicated to “worship of God through service to mankind.”
LATOYA HOPKINS
LaToya Hopkins, FNP is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and joined Metro Center Healthcare Group in 2016. LaToya was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in various states due to her dad being in the Army. She has resided in Nashville since 1999, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University and earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Vanderbilt University.
LaToya is a member of True Word Christian Center. In her free time, LaToya enjoys volunteering, relaxing at home and vacationing with her husband and teenage daughter.
LaToya believes that patient education is the most important factor in disease prevention and maintenance. Through education- understanding is gained, empowerment occurs, and positive change is made.
OBIANUJU (UJU) ONYEKWERE, NP
Obianuju (Uju) Onyekwere, an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, who holds a national certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Mississippi before completing her master’s degree from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2004.
Uju has worked as a nurse practitioner for over 13 years in various settings including skilled long-term care facilities, home care settings and medical clinics. She has worked extensively and enjoys the adult and geriatric patient populations.
Uju is enthusiastic about being a part of the Metro Center Healthcare Group team and is committed to providing great patient care. Uju is married with three daughters and enjoys traveling, participating in various church activities and spending time with family and friends.