What qualifies a pharmacist to work with elite athletes and call oneself a sports pharmacist? 

Because these subjects are not part of the core pharmacy curriculum, not all pharmacists are qualified to work with elite athletes. They have blindspots about the codes by which athletes and athlete support personnel must abide. 

Here are the steps to begin the qualification process.

Aspiring Sports Pharmacists brief training checklist:

1. Complete foundational knowledge of pharmaceutical substances and methods of treatment to evaluate drugs / therapies / nutraceuticals / nutrients as they relate to sports, sport-related illness or injury, recovery and diseases commonly diagnosed among athletes.

2. Complete drug and doping related trainings provided by World Anti-Doping Agency, US AntiDoping Agency (or your national / regional antidoping authority or sports integrity group) NCAA, Drug Free Sport International, and other sports medical and drug testing program by which our individual patient-athlete abides. When in doubt, call the anti-doping authority.

3. Review the individual athlete's specific sport Code of Conduct which may have additional restrictions, such as needle policy or illicit drug use policy. This may differ for specific events.

4. Take the Pledge for the Safety of the Athletes, as we recognize medications have risks and dietary supplements have even higher risks. We recognize that youth athletes, para athletes and some categories of elite or high-performance athletes qualify as vulnerable populations. Pharmacists have a duty to help protect vulnerable populations.

Join the collective of Clean Sport 

Join the Movement to advocate for athlete health with Global Athlete

5. Complete Abuse Awareness and Prevention Training to Safe Guard the Athletes. As above, many athletes are vulnerable to mistreatment or abuse. Pharmacists should recognize, report and help prevent this. 

Contact ISPN for an access key to take the US Center for Safe Sport training and the Sports Pharmacists Uplift.

6. Expand awareness of other sports related science and medical fields, such as sports and exercise medicine, sports nutrition, physiotherapy, and so on. Understand how pharmacy expertise can support the important roles played by the rest of the sports medical team. Certified Athletic Trainers, Physiotherapists, Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and others, along with parents, coaches and other influences in the athlete's life (a.k.a. the Athlete Support Personnel) are all part of the team.

7. Use online resources to ensure the drug information provided is up-to-date. Accept that you do not know what you do not yet know. INFORMATION CHANGES at least annually. Before giving recommendations that could impact an athlete's health and career, confirm all drug information with the most up-to-date resources.  

Review the status of WADA Prohibited Substances on Global DRO.

Review drug status in sport on AXIS for other athletes.

Know rules for athlete support personnel working with youth sports related to drugs.

8. Consider further training and education in sports pharmacy by visiting the Sports Pharmacy Link or advanced course like the International Olympic Committee Drugs in Sport Certificate or the Sports Pharmacy Diploma.

9. Act locally. Many opportunities exist within the community, at local schools, or the local gym.

10. Follow your passion and accept that you will have some days that lack momentum and some overwhelming weeks, but you can make it through, just like training as an athlete. Look to the spirit of sport.