It is great to see Nashville growing and thriving, but we need to keep our eye on the infrastructure necessary to handle the problems that come with this expansion. We want to keep all the qualities that have made Nashville a great place to live and raise a family. As a business owner and resident in District 25 we have recently experienced crime at our home and business. I think this is just one example of how rapid growth can lead to unintended consequences. I am sure you have concerns that you want the council to be aware of and be prepared to deal with before it becomes a problem. I have a long history of being involved in the community and can bring an informed perspective to Metro Council. But first and foremost I want to represent you. If elected I will be engaged and open to you. Please share your concerns with me.
About Us
A surgeon with a vision for Tennessee
Background
Rolando Toyos, M.D. is the Founder and CEO of Toyos Clinic a medical and surgical eye care practice that was started in Tennessee in 1998. The Clinic started with one clinic and 2 employees and quickly grew to 5 clinics across Tennessee and Mississippi winning the title of Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies in the United States in the process.
Dr. Toyos was born in New York City and moved to Santa Rosa, California when he was 10. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from The University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University, where he was a straight A student and involved in campus politics and community outreach. During that time, he coordinated events to raise money for A Safe Place, where victims of domestic violence could receive shelter and services. He also volunteered his time to tutor and coach at the local high schools seeking to inspire and educate underprivileged youth. Before beginning medical school, Dr. Toyos worked as a full time high school science teacher and basketball coach. He was recognized with the National Teaching Award from Columbia University for his science curriculum development and his work with at-risk children.
Dr. Toyos received his medical degree at the University of Illinois where he was Class President and a James Scholar. He continued his work in the community and received an award for his work with the Chicago City Public Schools developing a pre-med program for students interested in medicine. During that time, he was active in the Republican Party and worked as an Election Judge in his local precinct.
He completed his internship in Internal Medicine at Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago. He served his Ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University. Dr. Toyos continued his work helping all pre-med students overcome barriers and realize their dreams of becoming a doctor by tutoring, lecturing, and writing a best selling book for Pre-Med students still in print today, The Insider’s Guide to Medical School Admissions.
The brother of Dr Toyos, a decorated serviceman in the United States Military
Dr. Toyos believes it is important to be involved in the community. He won The Humanitarian Award by the Jazz Foundation of America for providing free surgical care to displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina. His wife, Dr. Melissa Toyos who also is an award winning Ophthalmologist and partner at the clinic, started the non-profit organization Toyos Foundation to provide free health care to the underserved and provide funds to schools to assist in their mission to relieve suffering and promote education especially in health care. He and his wife volunteer their time to Eye Care America, a national program that provides eye care to the poor. The clinic has completed mission trips to Nicaragua, Honduras, Columbia and Haiti. Dr. Toyos has been a board member of Ballet Memphis and the Memphis Rock & Soul Museum. He is a current board member of The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
He has won many business and community awards including: CEO of the Year Inside Memphis Business, Leadership Award from National Hispanic Professional Organization, Ronald Reagan Award from the Shelby County Young Republicans. The Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Memphis Finest, and most recently, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
For fun, Dr. Toyos loves spending time with his wife and three girls.
Please share your concerns with me here.