#WeAreNorthern

Meet Alexis ‘Alex’ Wellavize, Data and Integration Manager, always smiling and (most times) seriously bearded. Read Alex’s story, from stubble to sage, his beard not just grown, but earned.

Firstly, what’s your coffee order, please Alex?

Medium cappuccino, sometimes with one sugar.

Tell us of your journey at Northern Health?

I started at Northern Health in April 2018 as a Business Intelligence Developer in the Decision Support Unit (DSU) developing Power BI reports, self-service web portals, database development, process automation and system integration. In March 2024 I applied and was successful for the position of Data and Integration Manager in DSU and now manage the day-to-day operation of our data warehouse at Northern Health.

What is one of the more exciting projects you have worked on, Alex?

Probably the Quality Scorecard Dashboard – as this was my first project at Northern Health. Being new to healthcare, it was a steep learning curve. The complexity of the data and how well received my solution was, gave me a sense of accomplishment and gratitude to everyone who helped me learn and understand our clinical systems.

What are the challenges? What keeps you going?

Particularly during the pandemic, times were tough, but the strength and camaraderie at Northern Health is something I’m proud to be part of. Knowing friends and colleagues will go above and beyond in time of need is comforting and reassuring.

What makes Northern Health home to you?

I enjoy team bonding in morning teas, birthday lunches and other celebrations around the hospital which gives a chance to catch up on any news and events. I enjoyed attending the Northern’s Choir singing carols last Christmas.

Tell us something about you, that will surprise us?

I’m interested in many things outside of tech. I was a drummer in a band in high school and met my wife when I was taking Latin dance lessons. I love travelling, music, trying new things and food.

Lastly, tell us of your attachment to your beard and how it has evolved?

I go through periods where I feel like a change and shave it all off. But then I forget what I look like without it and grow it back again. I’d love to grow it really long like ZZ Top but never can.