March 27, 2026From career journeys and personal connections to the small things that make a big difference, the Why Northern? series of interview-based articles celebrates pride, belonging and the culture we’re building together at Northern Health, following our recent recognition as an Employer of Choice.
In our second interview, we speak with Professor Prahlad Ho, Chief Medical Officer, who has been part of Northern Health for more than 18 years.
Q: Why did you choose to work at Northern Health?
A: My connection to Northern Health stretches back two decades. I first rotated here in 2006 as an intern, and even then I was struck by the spirit of the place – the teamwork, the diversity, and the sense that people were genuinely invested in their patients and in each other.
I formally began my consultant journey at Northern Health in 2013 when I joined as a Thrombosis Fellow. I arrived with the intention of starting a research PhD, and while other institutions were hesitant or less supportive of that path, Northern Health did the opposite. It embraced the challenge, backed the vision, and provided the environment and encouragement to establish a research program that has since grown into the Northern Thrombosis Research Group (NECTAR) and a broader suite of global coagulation assay expertise.
That early support shaped everything that followed. It’s a big reason I’ve never left.
Q: What is your connection to Northern Health?
A: My journey has certainly not been a straight line, and I would never have imagined I’d be doing what I am today. My career has evolved alongside the organisation itself. New challenges would arise, clinical, operational, research-focused – and each opened a door to step into larger roles and build new capabilities.
Looking back, Northern Health has a way of stretching you in the best possible way and encouraging you to grow into opportunities you didn’t even realise you were preparing for.
Q: What does being named an Employer of Choice mean to you personally?
A: It’s a validation of what many of us experience every day – that Northern Health is a place where people genuinely care about their colleagues, their patients, and their community. For me personally, it reflects the work our teams have done to create an environment where people feel supported to contribute, innovate, and thrive.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Northern Health in three words?
A: Inclusive. Purpose-driven. Collaborative.
Q: What’s one thing Northern Health does really well for its people?
A: Northern Health excels at creating opportunity. Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into leadership, there’s space to grow, take on meaningful work, and make a tangible impact.
On a simple level, there’s also a genuine sense of collegiality – people check in on each other, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Q: Can you share a moment that made you feel proud to work at Northern Health?
A: One of my proudest moments was seeing Northern Pathology Victoria and Northern Imaging Victoria become fully operational and deliver outcomes that directly improved patient care in our catchment.
These weren’t just service expansions, they were examples of what can happen when teams across clinical care, research, and operations come together with a shared mission and a lot of perseverance.
Q: How has Northern Health supported your growth — professionally or personally?
A: Northern Health has supported my growth by giving me the freedom to lead, innovate, and build programs aligned with my passions in thrombosis research, service development, and clinical innovation.
I’ve been trusted with large, complex portfolios and surrounded by colleagues who encourage reflection, creativity, and ambition. The Northern Health environment builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
Q: What keeps you coming back each day? (coffee order counts too 😊)
A: The people and the possibilities. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to improve care, support clinicians, advance research, or build partnerships that strengthen our health system.
All of this happens within a culture that is safe, kind, and together. And yes, a skinny latte definitely helps kick-start the morning.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about working at Northern Health?
A: Choose Northern Health if you want to work somewhere where your contributions truly matter. You’ll join a welcoming and diverse community, be given opportunities to grow, and help shape services for one of the most dynamic multicultural populations in Australia.
If you’re looking for purpose, collaboration, and a place where your ideas can take root, Northern Health is the right choice.
