When we invest in inclusion, we unlock potential and transform lives. This recognition represents neurodivergent individuals who show what's possible when barriers are removed.
Tami L. McMasters-Gomez, MHL, BS-HIM, CCDS, CDIP · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Tami
Tami L. McMasters-Gomez, MHL, BS-HIM, CCDS, CDIP, is a nationally recognized healthcare leader with more than 28 years of experience in health information management, coding, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), and revenue integrity. She currently serves as Executive Director of Mid Revenue Cycle at UC Davis Health, where she leads enterprise-wide initiatives focused on coding accuracy, compliance, operational efficiency, and the integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence within revenue cycle operations. She began her career more than 30 years ago at a small rural community hospital in Colusa, California, starting as a file clerk and medical coder, and steadily advanced through progressively responsible roles. In 1997, she accepted a coding position at UC Davis Health and has since grown into executive leadership, shaping enterprise coding and CDI strategy.
Throughout her career, Tami has been committed to building high-performing, inclusive teams and advancing workforce development in healthcare. She is the founder of the UC Davis Health Neurodiversity Coding Internship Program, created to address critical coder shortages by training neurodivergent individuals who often excel in data abstraction, detail orientation, and analytical tasks. Her work reflects a strong commitment to creating meaningful career pathways while strengthening the healthcare workforce through innovation and inclusion.
In addition to her operational leadership, Tami is a respected thought leader in the healthcare industry and an advocate for the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in revenue cycle management. She actively contributes to national discussions through professional organizations such as AHIMA and ACDIS and is a frequent speaker on coding, CDI, and workforce transformation. She attributes her success to perseverance, curiosity, servant leadership, and a belief in lifting others as she climbs, a philosophy that continues to guide both her professional journey and personal mission.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tami
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to servant leadership, perseverance, curiosity, and a strong commitment to helping others succeed. Over a career spanning more than 30 years in health information management, I advanced from a file clerk in a rural hospital to Executive Director of Coding and Clinical Documentation Improvement Services at UC Davis Health. Throughout my journey, I have focused on strengthening healthcare coding, compliance, and revenue cycle operations while leading with inclusion, collaboration, and continuous growth. One of my proudest achievements is founding the UC Davis Health Neurodiversity Coding Internship Program, which creates meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent individuals while helping address workforce needs. I believe success comes from empowering others, because when people are supported to reach their potential, both organizations and communities thrive.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received is that leadership is about lifting others as you climb. I have learned that success is not defined solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunities I create for others to grow, succeed, and realize their potential. This philosophy of “paying it forward” has shaped my leadership style and continues to guide my work and purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering health information management to never underestimate where an entry-level position can lead. This field offers a wide range of career pathways from coding and auditing to compliance, leadership, education, and data analytics—and continuous learning and professional certification can open the door to long-term advancement. I also believe it is important to seek out mentors, stay curious, and confidently pursue leadership opportunities. Most importantly, I encourage women to support the success of others along the way, as lifting others while growing your own career creates lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the healthcare coding profession offers tremendous opportunities for women, as it combines intellectual challenge, career flexibility, remote work options, and multiple pathways into leadership. At the same time, one of the biggest challenges we face is recruiting and preparing the next generation of professionals, as many experienced coders approach retirement and industry requirements continue to become more specialized. I also see a significant opportunity for women to help lead the future of health information management by embracing innovation, mentoring emerging professionals, and championing inclusive workplaces where diverse talents including neurodiverse individuals—can thrive and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are grounded in compassion, inclusion, service, and a deep commitment to helping others achieve meaningful careers. I believe every individual deserves the opportunity to contribute their unique talents, which fuels my passion for supporting marginalized and neurodiverse communities. My leadership style is focused on creating environments where people feel valued, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I also believe that professional success and personal fulfillment should grow together, not compete with one another, and I strive to maintain balance through creativity, family, and meaningful pursuits outside of work.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.