#WeAreNorthern

Meet Wael Yousif, Medical Scientist in Microbiology – Pathology, Northern Health.

Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order.

A: I usually start my day with a skinny chai latte, extra hot.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?

A: I started working at Northern Pathology Victoria (NPV) in 2020 as a Lab Assistant in CSR Pathology. After six months, I moved into my current role as a Medical Scientist in Microbiology/Molecular.
Starting in CSR was a great introduction to understanding hospital workflows, and from there I had the opportunity to explore other areas of pathology, especially Microbiology, where I am now.
I have also supported pathology collection for outpatient blood tests, and I had the opportunity to be part of the HRO program, which gave me insight into pharmacy operations.

Q:What is the best part of working at Northern Health?

A: Working at Northern Health was a bit challenging at first, but the best part has been seeing how well the hospital delivers services across all departments. Everything comes together through strong teamwork and professionalism. That’s something I truly appreciate and have found consistently within my pathology team and across the hospital.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your role?

A: People might be surprised by how we handle patient samples, how challenging it can be to identify what doctors are suspecting, and how critical and sensitive our work is in helping provide the best care for patients. If anyone is interested in seeing what we do, we are always happy to arrange a visit.

Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

A: I’ve learned the importance of patience and strong work ethics. We work with many different people—colleagues, doctors, and patients—and every interaction teaches you something.
Coming from overseas, I had to adapt to a completely different system, but the experience has helped me grow, become more confident, and enhance my skills. I would also like to thank my team; they have been a big part of my learning journey.

Q: How do you like to spend your weekends or time off?

A: I enjoy playing sports. I play badminton three times a week and I also go swimming, which helps me stay healthy and positive. I love spending time with my family and friends, hanging out, keeping active, and surrounding myself with good people.

Q: Who or what inspires you most?

A: My inspiration comes from family, friends, and even people I meet along the way, whether at work or outside of it. If we share similar interests, that inspires me even more. And fun fact, blue is my favourite colour, and it often inspires me when I’m thinking or problem-solving.