Nehemiah Stewart (’21) is a serial entrepreneur at 24

Nehemiah Stewart hit a brick wall during his first year at the UNC School of Medicine.

He did just fine in the classes, he says, but he was disillusioned by the culture of medicine — specifically inequities caused by the “social determinants of health,” such as systemic racism, unsafe housing and a lack of nutritious foods. It’s a culture that directly impacts the community in Southeast Washington, DC, where he grew up.

“I had this illusion that with a degree and a stethoscope around my neck, I could finally solve all the issues that had plagued my family and my community for years,” he tells Eshelman Innovation Executive Director John Bamforth during the latest installment of the video series “North Carolina Innovators You Should Know.” The realization that a medical degree might not be enough influenced his latest startup company, Maslow Health.

Stewart was raised by a loving, fiercely supportive family, but a family that had zero experience with higher education. After finding his way to Carolina and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and mathematics, Stewart is now an MD-PhD candidate in the School of Medicine. At the ripe old age of 24, he is already a serial entrepreneur.

“Where I’m from, innovation is survival,” says Stewart. “Whether you are taking water bottles and moving them for a higher cost or trying to [partner on endeavors] with friends, innovation is survival.” 

Stewart is one of countless innovators across the state. North Carolina, home to world-class universities, receives nearly $13 billion each year in academic and industry research and development funding, putting it second among the states in R&D. Yet according to the North Carolina Innovation Index, the state falls behind in commercializing its R&D.

Eshelman Innovation, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, is helping change that by translating great ideas into healthcare products and services.

Through its video series, Eshelman Innovation introduces viewers to its own innovators and those at other institutions and companies.

“A rich ecosystem of innovation exists in North Carolina,” Bamforth says. “This video series shines a light on trailblazers across the state.”

During the latest episode, Stewart discusses his passion for medicine, specifically neuroscience, as well as some of the innovations he has launched. He recalls lessons learned about failure and teamwork. And he walks viewers through Maslow Health, which he hopes will address the social determinants of health that cause healthcare inequities.

Learn about Eshelman Innovation Research Assistant Professor Brianna Vickerman and her groundbreaking work in light-activated therapeutics in the previous episode of “North Carolina Innovators You Should Know.”  

Thank you to the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media for filming this interview at the Curtis Media Center.