July 23, 2024This week, Professor Prahlad Ho takes on the role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO), with Professor Wanda Stelmach handing over the baton as she transitions to her new role in cancer services.
With over 18 years of dedicated service at Northern Health, Prahlad’s journey began as an intern, progressing through basic and advanced training at Northern Health and Austin Health. In 2014, he was appointed to the role of Laboratory and Clinical Haematologist, and has since held multiple leadership positions, including Director of Clinical Haematology, Director of Northern Pathology, Divisional Director of Diagnostics and Outpatients, Divisional Director (Medical) of Cancer Services and Chair of the Research Executive Committee.
Prahlad’s impressive academic background includes a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (Honours) from the University of Melbourne. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA) and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) and earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne in 2018. He also holds an Adjunct Professorship from RMIT University and honorary appointments at the University of Melbourne and Monash University, maintaining an active research portfolio in thrombosis and cardiovascular disease.
In a recent discussion, Prahlad shared his insights on his new role, his remarkable career journey, the exciting new chapter ahead, and his future plans. Here is an excerpt from our conversation with him.
Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?
A: I love coffee and skinny latte is my order.
Q: You have been recently appointed the new Chief Medical Officer of Northern Health. Tell us how you feel about this new role, what would your focus be and what is your vision for the role?
A: I am honoured to take on this role in a very challenging time, with the financial crisis and discussions about possible amalgamations hovering over us. While I am, like everyone else, concerned and anxious about the upcoming changes, I am supremely confident in the strength of our hospital, and that it will always be our geographical destiny to serve our growing population, as we have for over 25 years.
Q: You have been working at Northern Health since 2006. Tell us about your history at Northern Health, your early beginnings and your journey throughout the years?
A: I have had the privilege of serving in every medical position in this hospital, from medical student to consultant, and now I have the honour of serving as CMO. I still recall when I first came here as a medical student, I had to avoid kangaroos to get into the building. How much has the Northern Hospital Epping changed since then! During my time here, I have seen us develop from a small, outer suburban community hospital, into a major hospital that we are all so proud of.
Q: What are you most excited about this new chapter?
A: When I first started here as a haematologist and PhD student, I was asked “why would you ever go to Northern Health?” I have spent much of my career telling everyone – it is because this is the best place to work and a place where we can make a difference! My motto has been that “no patient should be disadvantaged by the postcode they live in” and I intend to continue on delivering this, by working together with everyone, to transform our hospital into a tertiary centre of excellence, which our patients, and us, can all be proud of.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of at Northern Health?
A: Northern Pathology Victoria, Northern Imaging Victoria and our NECTAR group (Northern Health’s Collaborative Group for Thrombosis and Research).
Q: Can you please share with us something not many people know about you?
A: I served in the Singapore Army and Navy.
Q: What is on the top of your bucket list?
A: Travel to every continent of the world.
Congratulations from all of us at Northern Health! We wish you continued success and look forward to the positive impact you’ll bring.
