[Anti-doping from the Perspective of a Pharmacist and an Athlete]

I have been active as a professional basketball player at Hiroshima Dragonflies, which belongs to B.LEAGUE until 2018. At the beginning of my professional career, I started by balancing a pharmaceutical student and a professional life. I also obtained a pharmacist license during the B. LEAGUE season and was certified as a sports pharmacist to be involved in the team's anti-doping efforts. From my own experience of being subject to doping tests, I strongly felt that "athletes also need the cooperation of pharmacists", and many people recognized the need. I have a strong desire to change the status quo. Nowadays, young athletes are also connected to the Internet, and it has become easier to learn about efficient training methods, supplements and medicines. Furthermore, from marketing activities centered on advertising by companies, communication between consumers such as word-of-mouth influences decision-making. Under these circumstances, it is important to understand how athletes make decisions, engage in consultation services, and actively work with pharmacists. Athletes consult with us about "whether or not they can take supplements and medicines" is one of the athletes' wants (means). I think it is important to understand the needs (purposes) behind it. We do not think that it is our job to decide whether or not to take supplements and medicines, but we want to be a person who can be close to athletes. By understanding the hidden needs, various approaches become possible.