Meet Zahra Hussein

Job Title
Injury Prevention Program Lead

Department/Location
Trauma Services

How long have you worked at VCH?
2.5 years

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
Coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of initiatives designed to prevent and/or minimize the severity and frequency of injuries presenting to our sites. I’m, currently, working on an initiative called SBIRT – Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment – to address alcohol misuse with initial roll-out at VGH and GF Strong.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
My work is like a big puzzle and people within and outside of VCH hold different pieces of the puzzle. As a result, I get to meet and work with lots of interesting people from across diverse sectors. I also like the fact that my work is simultaneously scientific and creative.

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
Injury prevention initiatives Provide the Best Care by using evidence-based protocols and improving clinical integration by building regional programs and processes, as well as, Promote Better Health for Our Communities by implementing health promotion and prevention initiatives to reduce the incidence of injury.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
My hair is naturally straight … just kidding! I’m a fan of country music.

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Crushed ginger/garlic, eggs and a bar of dark chocolate.

What makes you happy?
Serendipitious moments, random conversations, new experiences and sunshine.

Most healthy habit:
Laughing, volunteering and a well-used gym pass.

Favourite vacation spot:
East Africa – I went to Tanzania, a few years ago, to volunteer on a remote island and I can’t wait to go back as a tourist.