Tulika Vohra took an unconventional route into healthcare, moving from a career in real estate to overseeing operations at University Physicians Associates in Knoxville, Tenn. In a conversation with MGMA senior editor Daniel Williams, Vohra discusses the pivotal role MGMA resources, certifications, and ongoing education have played in advancing her career and strengthening her work in healthcare administration.
Exploring a Unique Path to Healthcare Management
Vohra’s journey into healthcare started with her work in real estate, where she supported physician relocations. “I just found [healthcare] really fascinating and loved working with [the HR] team,” she recalls. This interest along with her physician husband helped shape her decision to move into healthcare full-time. Vohra focused on human resources when she entered the healthcare field in 2013.
Despite obtaining her SHRM certification and a master’s in management and HR from the University of Tennessee, Vohra recognized her need for more in-depth practice management knowledge to advance. This realization led her to pursue ACMPE certification with MGMA, an achievement that she describes as essential for filling knowledge gaps. “MGMA provided that platform for me,” she highlights. “It has really helped me understand the domains of different practice management.” As she continued to develop her skill set, Vohra also earned a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma from UT, a program she credits with enhancing her operational management abilities.
MGMA’s Impact on Career Growth
MGMA’s conferences and community resources played an integral role in Vohra’s professional development. She describes attending MGMA events as a high point of her career, saying, “This is the only [conference] I go to every year, and I just love attending this. It’s amazing.” These conferences offer her valuable networking opportunities and insights that have shaped her approach to practice management.
She also credits the value of MGMA’s member communities with how they provide a space for collaborative problem-solving. “You put your question out there, there’s always some SME out there who’s going to respond,” she says. These communities provided Vohra with valuable guidance on topics ranging from billing inquiries to choosing vendors.
Paving the Way Toward an MGMA Fellowship
Now an established professional in healthcare, Vohra is focused on achieving an MGMA Fellowship as an important milestone in her career journey. Although her business case has been accepted, she says finding time to complete it amidst her busy schedule is a challenge. Despite this, Vohra remains motivated. “Every year I see people walking on the stage, and I’m like, this next year I’m going to do it,” she shares.
Key Resources for Healthcare Leaders
Vohra encourages other MGMA members to take full advantage of the organization’s resources, particularly the online member communities. She shares how these communities have connected her with subject matter experts and peers, enabling her to address challenges and expand her professional network. As she notes, “Member communities are so powerful!”
For medical practice leaders inspired by Vohra’s journey, certifications and community engagement are transformative tools. MGMA’s ACMPE certification program and member communities offer structured ways to gain expertise and find support. Additionally, Lean Six Sigma training programs like the one offered by UT can provide operational skills that benefit healthcare administrators.
Conclusion
Vohra’s path to healthcare leadership underscores the power of professional development and community support. By leveraging MGMA resources and continuously expanding her knowledge, she has built a successful career that exemplifies resilience and growth. Her story serves as a guide for healthcare leaders striving to improve both their practices as well as their own professional journeys.
Direct Resources and Links:
- MGMA ACMPE Certification Program – Essential certification for healthcare management professionals.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program at the University of Tennessee – A program that helps students gain operational efficiency skills.
- MGMA Member Communities – Connect with other healthcare professionals for peer support and insights.
MGMA Resources:
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