#WeAreNorthern
Meet Philip Vukovic, Project Manager, Digital Innovation, Northern Health.
Q: Let’s start with something light – what’s your go-to coffee order?
A: A flat white to start the day and then, probably another latte by midday. On weekends you’ll find me cycling with friends or finishing up a run, and there’s always a coffee stop worked in somewhere.
Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.
A: I first joined Northern Health after completing my Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience, starting out as a Clinical Trials Assistant on the INHERIT Clinical Trial before progressing to Study Coordinator, an experience that gave me a deep appreciation for translational research.
From there, I transitioned into a Business Analyst role within the General System Design team. It was a step away from clinical research and into the innovation space of the hospital, giving me a much broader understanding of the systems and people that underpin patient care every day.
That foundation ultimately led me to where I am now, Project Manager in the Digital Innovation team, where I work to bridge the gap between frontline clinical needs and scalable digital solutions that make a tangible difference. Alongside this, I’m completing my MBA, bringing what I learn in the evening into work the very next day. Every role has been a stepping stone, and every step has been in service of the goal of improving outcomes for our patients and creating a better environment for the people who care for them.
Q: What does a typical day in your role look like?
A: No two days look the same and that’s what I love about it. One day I might be completing a project charter, the next I’m in conversation with an external vendor, then running a workshop, then on the floor with clinical teams gathering requirements. On the best days, I get to see it all come together at go-live. Underpinning all of it is ensuring the solutions we deliver integrate seamlessly into clinical pathways and solve real business problems.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of Northern Health?
A: Without question, it’s the people. Throughout my time at Northern, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented, compassionate, and generous individuals, who have shaped who I am as a professional and as a person.
Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
A: Health and performance are at the core of everything I do and it’s one of the main reasons I’m drawn to work at Northern Health. So, in another life, I’d probably still find myself somewhere in that space, whether in healthcare policy, public health, or anything that moves the needle on how individuals live and feel.
That said, if we’re talking parallel universes and my VO2 max was remotely approaching the athletes running sub 2-hour marathons, I’d be lining up as a professional athlete without hesitation. I recently raced the Ballarat Half Marathon and cycled up Mt Buffalo, but I’ll leave the podium finishes to the professionals for now and stick to improving patient outcomes instead.
Q: Do you have a favourite book, movie, or TV character? What do you like about them?
A: Interstellar. It’s a film I’ve watched many times. Christopher Nolan is one of the all-time greats. The intersection of human ambition, sacrifice, and the unknown resonates deeply with me. Last year I had the opportunity to attend the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney after receiving a scholarship from the National Space Society of Australia, so space is more than just a casual interest.
Q: If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and why?
A: I’m heading to China soon, visiting Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang. China is one of the most fascinating places in the world to me, and not just for its landscapes and ancient culture. What draws me most is the pace and scale of technological innovation happening there. The progress China has made is a genuinely astonishing achievement.