S02E06: Slow & Steady: Creating Sustainable Change with Dr. Tania K. Arora

The importance of failing better. As surgeons, striving for perfection is ingrained in the profession, but failure presents an opportunity to rethink, adapt, and improve. Failure is an inevitable part of growth—and it happens to all of us.

This week on The Intentional Surgeon, host Dr. Sharon L. Stein is joined by Dr. Tania Arora, a surgical oncologist, professor, and Vice Chair of Access and Engagement. Dr. Arora shares her perspective on navigating change, embracing failure, and driving meaningful transformation in medicine.

Dr. Arora reflects on her experiences as a leader in academic medicine and the evolving language used to discuss equity and inclusion. Rather than viewing changes in terminology as setbacks, she sees them as opportunities to reconsider how we communicate and focus on the real impact behind the words. She encourages listeners to think about how language influences progress and how meaningful change can continue regardless of shifts in phrasing.

Additionally, she acknowledges that cultural change in medicine is a gradual process. While many of us hope for immediate transformation, real, sustainable progress requires time, persistence, and the accumulation of small, intentional changes. Dr. Arora shares how she works to create meaningful shifts in medical education and patient care.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptability, and leading change in surgery and beyond.