“I am incredibly fortunate to work under such an exemplary director,” wrote one nominator. “Ahmed’s leadership style is both inspiring and effective. He possesses a remarkable amount of professionalism and can create a motivating work environment while providing constructive feedback.”
As one nominator put it, “Folks who work quietly behind the scenes deserve acknowledgment and recognition as much as those on the front lines, because without their efforts, many programs would be jeopardized.”
Working quietly behind the scenes is a perfect description of the important job of the Department of Revenue and Reimbursement, where Ahmed Guhdija, director of Clinical and Academic Reimbursement, is a master of managing Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s finances. In recognition of his tireless work on billing and reimbursement, ensuring financial stability throughout the institution and, most of all, serving with exceptional leadership qualities, Guhdija received a Credo Award during the May VUMC Leadership Assembly.
“Ahmed’s leadership skills are second to none, and he continuously guides our team to achieve outstanding results,” wrote one nominator. “He consistently demonstrates exceptional communication skills by taking the time to elaborate and provide background on every subject. Ahmed’s strategic thinking inspires me to strive for excellence. His leadership has been instrumental in my career growth and our team’s accomplishments.”
As multiple nominators indicated, Guhdija is extraordinarily humble and credits his entire team for their success.
“Winning this award is truly an honor, but more than anything, it is a recognition of the incredible team I have the privilege to lead,” said Guhdija. “Nothing is ever achieved by just one person — it is always the result of a collective effort. I feel extremely privileged to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of professionals who make a tremendous impact behind the scenes every day.”
While his background is in accounting, Guhdija says his career has been shaped by the world of health care finance. With six years of experience as a Medicare auditor, Guhdija had a front-row seat to the complexity of health care regulations and the enormous pressure health care providers and facilities face. It’s tricky, he says, for health care institutions to not only stay compliant with ever-changing rules, but also to get properly reimbursed for the care they provide.
But before his work in health care finance began, Guhdija came of age halfway across the world. Born in Bosnia, Guhdija served in his home country’s armed forces and learned discipline, integrity, teamwork, adaptability and the importance of staying calm under pressure, he says.
“These challenges shaped me into a stronger, more resilient individual. I live by these values every day, and they influence how I lead, work and approach life,” said Guhdija.
One nominator wrote that Guhdija has maintained positive “soldier qualities” through his commitment to protect and serve in his role at VUMC.
“He protects our payments, and he serves VUMC, pursuing better payments,” the nominator wrote. “We are extremely fortunate to have his tenacity, grit, drive, kindness and energy at VUMC.”
Nominators named several key accomplishments — reimbursing travel nurses during the pandemic, obtaining a rural designation for VUMC and projecting institutional costs, among others — as evidence of Guhdija’s work ethic. As one nominator described, revenue and reimbursement work come easily to Guhdija given his background.
“Ahmed thinks like an auditor because he was one,” the nominator said. “Whenever he reviews one of my workpapers, he puts his ‘auditor hat’ on. This whole process has taught me to be more accurate and not just present numbers … but to understand what the numbers mean.”
Guhdija knows that Vanderbilt is a community just as much as it is a center of care. Being seen as a patient a few years ago underscored to him that the institution contains multitudes — including everything from exceptional patient care to dedicated workers in finance.
“During that time, I got to see Vanderbilt from the other side — as someone being cared for,” Guhdija said of his experience. “And what stood out to me wasn’t just the clinical expertise (which was outstanding), but the kindness, patience and compassion that every staff member showed me. … It reminded me that no matter what our role is — whether we are at the bedside or behind the scenes — we are all contributing to that same experience of care.”
Each nominator reported that in some way or another, Guhdija has positively impacted their career both through the thoroughness of his work and his uplifting leadership style.
“Ahmed is a motivator, a leader and a true role model for those of us in the reimbursement area,” one nominator said. “I am thankful for all he has taught me and the challenges he continues to present to me. Both Vanderbilt and I are much better thanks to Ahmed.”
Guhdija returns those feelings with gratitude and pride of his own.
“What I am most proud of isn’t something you can measure on a spreadsheet. It is watching my team grow,” he said. “Over the years, I have seen them step into increasingly complex roles, handle high-pressure situations with confidence, and push themselves to learn and lead. There is something really special about witnessing that kind of transformation — when you see people realize just how capable they are, and you know they can tackle anything that comes their way.
“Leadership, to me, is about growing alongside your team and showing up with honesty and care.”
View Ahmed Guhdija’s video from Leadership Assembly.
If you are a VUMC employee, you can nominate a colleague for an Elevate Credo Award, Five Pillar Leader Award, or Team Award. Visit the Elevate website to fill out a nomination form. Employees demonstrate credo behaviors when: they make those they serve the highest priority; respect privacy and confidentiality; communicate effectively; conduct themselves professionally; have a sense of ownership; and are committed to their colleagues. Elevate award nominations are accepted year-round. If a nomination is received after the cutoff for an award selection period, the nomination will be considered for the next period. VUMC VOICE will post stories on each of the award winners in the weeks following their announcement.
