In this insightful session, we welcome Dr. Prasanthi Reddy, an independent pediatrician from Jacksonville, who shares her inspiring journey of establishing a successful practice against the odds. Dr. Reddy emphasizes the importance of collaboration among female physicians, addressing staff mental well-being, and sticking to her philosophy of ‘stubborn optimism plus action.’ She recounts her transition from dissatisfaction in a local practice to becoming a thriving entrepreneur and advocate for her community and peers. Dr. Reddy also talks about her innovative workshops for staff development and the significance of empathy in patient and employee interactions. She concludes with a call to invest in professional and personal support networks as a means to combat physician burnout.