Tara Good-Young, CEO, PDI Surgery Center

In this episode of the ThinkFactory Podcast, Tara Good Young, CEO of PDI Surgery Center, shares the inspiring mission behind a nonprofit pediatric ambulatory surgery center dedicated to providing life-changing dental care for underserved children and patients with special health care needs. Drawing on more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience, Tara discusses how PDI delivers comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia, helping children who would otherwise struggle to access the care they need. She also highlights the organization's commitment to preventive education, community outreach, and breaking the cycle of childhood dental disease through partnerships with schools, medical providers, and families.Tara explores the challenges of leading a mission-driven healthcare organization in an increasingly complex environment, including reimbursement cuts, access-to-care barriers, and the long-term public health consequences of untreated dental disease. She offers valuable insights on advocacy, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and the importance of balancing operational sustainability with compassionate patient care. Throughout the conversation, Tara emphasizes the profound impact that oral health has on a child’s future and shares lessons from her own leadership journey about embracing challenges, trusting the long game, and using every experience as a foundation for future growth.Disclaimer