Aims & Outcomes
Aims of the program
The IOC Diploma in Sports Pharmacy aims to provide comprehensive education and training for pharmacists focusing on their crucial role in promoting and protecting the health of both elite and recreational athletes.
The program ensures pharmacists have the professional knowledge and skills to support and contribute to the pharmacological and clinical care of athletes and maintain the integrity of sports through a clear understanding of all aspects of athlete health, within the rules of anti-doping regulations.
The program aims to enhance pharmacists’ contribution to athlete healthcare, enabling them to provide valued professional input within multidisciplinary teams at sporting events and as part of the broader athlete support team.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this program, students should be able to demonstrate:
- A knowledge of the circumstances under which drugs may and may not be used in sport and the key events that have shaped the current state of doping and antidoping in sport.
- Application of the unique medical and physiological considerations of both elite and recreational athletes.
- Communication of advanced information to support athletes comply with global anti-doping regulations.
- Understand the roles of international and national organisations that govern and implement anti-doping regulations.
- An understanding of the procedures for doping control, including testing and results management.
- An understanding of sports pharmacology, including the safe and rational prescribing and administration of medications for athletes, including the pharmacological treatment of common medical conditions in athletes.
- Implementation of best clinical practice and medication management strategies to safeguard the health of athletes, prevent doping, and ensure ethical treatment.
- A comprehensive understanding of the specialist role of pharmacists in athlete health across various settings.
- An understanding of the principles of sports nutrition, including assessment of the appropriate use, benefits and risks of supplements.
- An advanced awareness of the operational requirements and challenges of providing drugs to athletes through pharmacy and medical services at major sporting events.
Ability to explore and pursue diverse career opportunities in the field of sports pharmacy, understanding the broader application to sports organisations and sporting events.
