Ms Hussain took home the gong at the 13th annual Avicenna media awards ceremony, which took place at the Saddlers’ Hall in central London on Friday (January 26).

The judges said they were “impressed” by her “ability at such an early stage in [her] career to be talking directly to grassroots pharmacists about their roles and challenges”.

Read more: C+D scoops up two gongs for GPhC exam coverage and temporary closure exposé

They commended her for her article on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout and for “broadening the script of Pharmacy First debate by seeking views from independent prescribers”. 

“What also stood out was [her] article regarding the IP in Wales, which is often the forgotten country,” they said.

“Very honoured”

“I am very honoured to receive Avicenna’s Newcomer of the Year award,” Ms Hussain said.

“I have enjoyed every editorial piece I have worked on at C+D since joining in September last year and it is delightful to see that my passion for voicing the thoughts and concerns of contractors, as well as exploring some of community pharmacy’s key topics, has been recognised,” she added. 

Read more: Who took home a trophy at the C+D Awards 2023?

Meanwhile, C+D news editor Costanza Potter said she was “thrilled” to see Ms Hussain pick up the coveted prize so early in her time at C+D.

“It is no mean feat to win this award just four months into the job and we are all incredibly proud to see Zainab’s enthusiasm and hard work recognised by the judges,” she added.

Last year, C+D took home two prizes at the 12th annual Avicenna media awards, picking up trophies in the Newcomer of the Year and Best Support for Independent Pharmacists categories.