Who are Victoria’s pharmacists of the year?

Meet the award-winning pharmacists recognised for their exceptional contributions to patients, communities and the profession. 

The PSA acknowledged the outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication of the five pharmacists who were recognised at the PSA Victorian Pharmacist Awards. 

The 2026 award recipients are:  

• Pharmacist of the Year – Suzanne Nielsen MPS
• Lifetime Achievement Award – John Jackson FPS 
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Pooja Sharma MPS 
• Intern of the Year – Namira Tasnia Ahmed MPS 
• Victorian Pharmacist Medal – Alexander Look MPS 

Pharmacist of the Year, Suzanne Nielsen MPS, was recognised for her internationally leading work in addiction medicine research, advancing pharmacists’ role in harm reduction and opioid dependence treatment, and shaping policy and practice to improve patient safety and outcomes.  

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John Jackson FPS for his contributions to medication safety, national policy, and pharmacy education. Mr Jackson’s pharmacy career spans more than five decades, with his service and leadership having a lasting impact on his colleagues and patients.   

Pooja Sharma MPS, was awarded Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her outstanding clinical leadership and innovation – delivering measurable improvements in medicines safety, and access to care for high-risk and underserved populations. 

Intern of the Year, Namira Tasnia Ahmed MPS, was recognised for exceptional patient-centred care and initiative during her intern year, including driving quality improvement in medicines safety and developing processes to support safer transitions of care. 

Alexander Look MPS received the Victorian Pharmacist Medal for his dedication to rural healthcare, expanding pharmacy services and building innovative, community-focused models of care that have significantly improved access and health outcomes in the Victorian Mallee. 

Pharmacists are recognised with the Victorian Pharmacist Medal for undertaking work on the pharmacy frontline that goes beyond standard dispensing, counselling, over-the-counter or clinical activities, resulting in either the maintenance of wellbeing or the improvement of health outcomes for the general public.

Tinu Abraham FPS, PSA Victorian President, said the recipients were wonderful representatives who capture the breadth and impact of modern pharmacy practice. 

‘These awards are a powerful reminder of the contributions pharmacists make to our patients and communities every single day,’ she said. ‘Each of these recipients is incredibly deserving, and I am proud to present these awards to the pharmacists continuing to shape the future of healthcare and drive the health and well-being of Victorians.’

In an address at the event, The Honourable Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Water and Minister for Ambulance Services, said it’s important to celebrate everyone who makes a contribution.

‘Be in no doubt whether you’ve won tonight or not, there are pharmacists and community members, there are leaders, there are people across the entire health system who look to you as role models,’ she said.