
For over twenty years, we’ve worked at the intersection of clinical medicine and human optimization, guided by curiosity about health and deep compassion for those we serve. This journey has led us to explore integrative approaches that blend Eastern and Western medicine philosophies, seeking new pathways for living fuller, healthier lives as we age.
Our mission became deeply personal when one of our founders experienced the devastating loss of his brother to obesity and mental health challenges. This profound loss sparked a moment of self-reflection—he recognized similar warning signs in his own life: cognitive changes, weight gain, and a gradual decline in overall vitality. Rather than accept these as inevitable consequences of aging, he committed himself to understanding how to reclaim his health and, in doing so, discovered a calling to help others do the same. N of 1 Wellness was born from this ongoing journey of transformation and discovery.
A Partnership Rooted in Excellence
In collaboration with Dr. James McDowell, one of Tennessee’s most respected bariatric surgeons, we’ve created a comprehensive, science-based approach to age management and metabolic health. This partnership brings together cutting-edge medical expertise with a holistic understanding of wellness, enabling us to offer truly integrated care that honors both traditional wisdom and modern innovation.
The Meaning Behind “N of 1”
Our name reflects a fundamental principle of our practice. In clinical research, an “N of 1” study refers to an individual serving as their own control—a highly personalized approach where treatments are tailored specifically to that person’s unique biology, lifestyle, and goals. This concept is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all protocols. Instead, we customize every aspect of your care to meet your specific needs, ensuring the highest level of effectiveness in your health journey.
Committed to Your Wellness
Our commitment to continuous learning shapes everything we offer. We stay current with emerging research, evaluate new therapies from diverse medical traditions, and carefully curate the products and services we recommend. But we also recognize that wellness is a collaborative effort. We invite you to engage with us, share your experiences, and suggest products or services that enhance your daily life. Together, we’re building a community dedicated to thriving at every age.
James (Jamie) G. McDowell, Jr., MD, FACS, FASMBS is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon with over 25 years of experience, serving as a key partner at N of 1 Wellness in Franklin, Tennessee. He integrates his surgical precision with the clinic’s functional medicine to deliver personalized care for metabolic health, weight loss, and inflammation.
Surgical Background
Dr. McDowell earned his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1998, followed by internship and residency in surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (1998-2004). Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, he specializes in minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic gallbladder removal, bariatric surgery (e.g., Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), endoscopic interventions, wound care, and vascular assessments.
Leadership Roles
He has served as President of the Nashville Surgical Society (2013), Chief of Surgery at St. Thomas West and Midtown Hospitals, and Director of the Center for Surgical and Medical Weight Loss at St. Thomas Midtown. Affiliated with TriStar Centennial Medical Center, NorthCrest Medical Center, and Surgical Alliance of Middle Tennessee, where he practices general, bariatric, and robotic surgery.
N of 1 Wellness Partnership
At N of 1 Wellness, Dr. McDowell collaborates with founder Michael Kevin Grass to combine bariatric expertise with therapies like GLP-1 drugs, peptides, exosomes, and hormone replacement, supporting over 5,000 patients annually. His focus on long-term outcomes enhances the clinic’s root-cause approach to wellness.
Kevin Grass is the CEO and Owner of N of 1 Wellness, a functional medicine practice in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated to personalized health optimization through addressing root causes like inflammation. With over 25 years in clinical development, sales management, and medical devices across biotech sectors including aesthetics, plastic surgery, dermatology, GI endoscopy, and oncology, he has excelled in product launches, team training, and market strategy.
Professional Journey
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University and advanced through leadership roles at TELA Bio, Sientra, Integra LifeSciences, Stryker, and Olympus Surgical, excelling in product launches, team training, and market strategy. At TELA Bio, he drove clinical development for innovative biologic tissue repair products, overseeing trials, regulatory submissions, and commercialization of advanced wound matrices and hernia repair solutions in the biotech sector. Founding N of 1 Wellness in 2023 with Dr. James McDowell, a bariatric surgeon and president of the Nashville Surgical Society, to offer tailored programs in age management, weight loss, hormone therapy, peptides, GLP-1 drugs, exosomes, and IV therapies. The practice’s “N of 1” philosophy treats each patient as their own control group, empowering patients to thrive via evidence-based, customized care.
Personal Motivation
His passion ignited after the tragic loss of his brother to obesity and mental health challenges, prompting Kevin to confront his own signs of cognitive decline, weight gain, and reduced well-being. This profound experience fueled his commitment to helping others reclaim vitality, blending Eastern and Western medicine for comprehensive wellness.
Enduring Commitment
He fosters a collaborative community at N of 1 Wellness, staying ahead of research to curate cutting-edge therapies and empower clients to thrive.