Brittney Anderson, MD, FAAFP, on Building a Successful Independent Practice

Dr. Brittany Anderson, a family medicine physician in Alabama, shares her journey from employee practice to building a successful independent private practice. After experiencing burnout in a high-pressure, under-resourced employee role—where she sometimes worked alone with no staff—she returned to her original dream of private practice, inspired by early shadowing experiences. She launched her practice without a coach, relying on social media and aggressive marketing, and now thrives as both a clinician and business owner. She emphasizes that private practice is not only possible but increasingly necessary, especially given the national shortage of primary care providers. Dr. Anderson also discusses the growing trend of physicians seeking autonomy, offering coaching to help others navigate the transition. She highlights the importance of mindset shifts—seeing oneself as a physician-owner rather than just a clinician—and stresses realistic planning around billing, patient panels, and practice models, whether insurance-based or direct care. Her work reflects a broader movement among younger physicians rejecting traditional employment in favor of independence and control over their careers. Key takeaways include: 1) Private practice is viable and sustainable, especially in underserved areas; 2) Physicians must reframe their identity from 'employee' to 'owner' to succeed; 3) Realistic planning around billing, staffing, and marketing is essential; 4) Coaching and mentorship can dramatically ease the transition; 5) The shift toward independence is a generational trend driven by burnout and desire for autonomy. Dr. Anderson’s story is both a personal triumph and a blueprint for a new era of physician-led healthcare delivery.