Circle of anti-doping that started in Setagawa, Shiga Prefecture! ― “I want to remove doping from the world of sports!” Mr. Tetsuro YOSHIDA, a sports pharmacist working on a global scale. ― [The latter part]
- Want to know
- Heard from someone
- Nature
- Rowing
Shiga Pref.
![Circle of anti-doping that started in Setagawa, Shiga Prefecture! ― “I want to remove doping from the world of sports!” Mr. Tetsuro YOSHIDA, a sports pharmacist working on a global scale. ― [The latter part]](../../upload_img/202102121428041921588662.jpg)
To read the first part “Circle of anti-doping that started in Setagawa, Shiga Prefecture! ― Did you know the “Healing power of Lake Biwa” that may make a huge impact on your life? ―”
I want to remove doping from the world of sports!
YAMAOKA: Mr. Yoshida, Thank you for today! So, please introduce yourself.
YOSHIDA: I’m Tetsuro YOSHIDA, an authorized sports pharmacist. A sports pharmacist is a qualification for pharmacist with expertise of anti-doping. What we do is to prevent athletes from committing doping by accident. It is such a shame that the athlete’s career ends if they commit doping “by accident” even once. I’m currently working to reduce the number of doping in the world of sports to zero. I’m organising an online community called “Doping 0 Kai (0 Doping Group), where 159 people* of over 10 occupations, such as doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nutritionist, physical therapist, Judo therapist, acupuncturist, etc., get together.
*As of 20th January, 2021
YOSHIDA: I’m Tetsuro YOSHIDA, an authorized sports pharmacist. A sports pharmacist is a qualification for pharmacist with expertise of anti-doping. What we do is to prevent athletes from committing doping by accident. It is such a shame that the athlete’s career ends if they commit doping “by accident” even once. I’m currently working to reduce the number of doping in the world of sports to zero. I’m organising an online community called “Doping 0 Kai (0 Doping Group), where 159 people* of over 10 occupations, such as doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nutritionist, physical therapist, Judo therapist, acupuncturist, etc., get together.
*As of 20th January, 2021
It started in “Setagawa”. Taking a look at a rower’s medicine, I thought “Why this medicine!?”
YAMAOKA: I interviewed him at a “slipway (where you start rowing)”, the place that changed my life!
― Thank you. I am one of those who inspired by your passion, so I’m very looking forward to talking with you today. So, what brought you to “Setagawa”?
YOSHIDA: Actually, the case of a “Rower in Setagawa” that you consulted me in the summer of 2019 led to expand the area of my activity as a sports pharmacist. In 2019, I didn’t have many cases, most of them related to general thing such as “cold relief medicine”. Meanwhile, your enquiry made me start thinking deeply about “characteristics of each sport” and “situation of athletes”, etc. for the first time.
― Thank you. I am one of those who inspired by your passion, so I’m very looking forward to talking with you today. So, what brought you to “Setagawa”?
YOSHIDA: Actually, the case of a “Rower in Setagawa” that you consulted me in the summer of 2019 led to expand the area of my activity as a sports pharmacist. In 2019, I didn’t have many cases, most of them related to general thing such as “cold relief medicine”. Meanwhile, your enquiry made me start thinking deeply about “characteristics of each sport” and “situation of athletes”, etc. for the first time.
YOSHIDA: The medicine prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon for the rower was unusual for me, and I thought “Why this medicine!?”. Rowing is an outdoor sport, however, the compress contained ingredients which could react to sunlight. The pain killer was quite strong. Considering the medicine and rowing, “The rower must be in so much pain if the orthopedic surgeon prescribed this...”, “Does the rower know using this outdoor is risky?”, I used my imagination to the full extent for the rower I hadn’t met.
Before this case, I hadn’t had chance to know “what happened to the athlete after that.”, but for this case, you reported me later, then I had a real feeling that I was helping someone as a sports pharmacist! When I heard that he got a good place at his final intercollege competition, I went “Yes!” and I was so happy.
Through this case, I realized “Oh, Setagawa is a popular place for training rowing.”, the familiar sight looked different. It was an impressive experience.
Before this case, I hadn’t had chance to know “what happened to the athlete after that.”, but for this case, you reported me later, then I had a real feeling that I was helping someone as a sports pharmacist! When I heard that he got a good place at his final intercollege competition, I went “Yes!” and I was so happy.
Through this case, I realized “Oh, Setagawa is a popular place for training rowing.”, the familiar sight looked different. It was an impressive experience.
I hope the qualification “Sports pharmacist” doesn’t exist in future.
YAMAOKA: Wow, it was a turning point in your life…That’s a nice surprise for me and I’m sure the rower will feel the same! Could you tell me your opinion on doping?
YOSHIDA: Doping is against the spirit of fair play and it breaks the value of sports…as well as these things written in textbooks, of course, as a medical worker, I strongly suggest that people must not commit doping, because “there is a risk of harming your health”. Drug misuse could ruin the rest of your life. In the first place, as a pharmacist, I’d like to tell people the importance of taking the correct dosage and following the instruction.
YOSHIDA: Doping is against the spirit of fair play and it breaks the value of sports…as well as these things written in textbooks, of course, as a medical worker, I strongly suggest that people must not commit doping, because “there is a risk of harming your health”. Drug misuse could ruin the rest of your life. In the first place, as a pharmacist, I’d like to tell people the importance of taking the correct dosage and following the instruction.
YOSHIDA: Beyond that, my goal as a sports pharmacist is to “make people feel more familiar with sports by keeping and enhancing the value of sports”. If there is a world of sports where athletes compete fair and people are touched by that, not only kids but also elderly people may come outside to play. I think they will go “I want to play sports!” regardless of age. Isn’t it so nice if people could stay fit and healthy through sports? I believe it will extend healthy life expectancy, too.
To achieve this goal, the important thing is “how clean and healthy athletes are when playing sports” and I think it’s my role to let the thought sink in the world of sports. I hope the qualification “Sports pharmacist” doesn’t exist in future, because if the world of sports is drug free, sports pharmacists are unnecessary.
To achieve this goal, the important thing is “how clean and healthy athletes are when playing sports” and I think it’s my role to let the thought sink in the world of sports. I hope the qualification “Sports pharmacist” doesn’t exist in future, because if the world of sports is drug free, sports pharmacists are unnecessary.
An athlete’s word, “I was always worried”. It led me find my role.
YAMAOKA: I’m getting excited as your ambition as a sports pharmacist is revealed! I’d like to know more stories of you and athletes!
YOSHIDA: “I was always worried, but I’m relieved I consulted with you.” This is the word I got directly from a track and field athlete after I consulted him regarding the supplement. Then I realized it was “reassurance” that I wanted to give.
For athletes, “Anxiety” comes from “things they can’t judge” or “things they don’t know”. Drugs and supplements may help you get into a good condition, or improve your ability. However, for athletes, it could be doping, they don’t even know if the drugs are compatible with their body, in other words, the substance is “something risky”. “Is it alright to take this?” You worry like this all the time. I thought it was my job to take away worries and “give reassurance”.
YOSHIDA: “I was always worried, but I’m relieved I consulted with you.” This is the word I got directly from a track and field athlete after I consulted him regarding the supplement. Then I realized it was “reassurance” that I wanted to give.
For athletes, “Anxiety” comes from “things they can’t judge” or “things they don’t know”. Drugs and supplements may help you get into a good condition, or improve your ability. However, for athletes, it could be doping, they don’t even know if the drugs are compatible with their body, in other words, the substance is “something risky”. “Is it alright to take this?” You worry like this all the time. I thought it was my job to take away worries and “give reassurance”.
YOSHIDA: Actually, it’s not only the athletes who are worried. Sometimes other people involved, such as trainers, or those who working in sports medicines are worried, too. If I support them with my expertise in anti-doping as a sports pharmacist, a trainer, for example, will be able to concentrate on his job to help athletes with physical conditioning. As a result, athletes can compete at their best condition. I think my role is to support athletes as well as people involved such as trainers with my expertise in anti-doping, and I realized that my activity may not only protect but also enhance the value of sports.
About “Doping 0 Kai (0 Doping Group)” he’s organising
YAMAOKA: I totally understand that. I’m involved in sports as a trainer and athletes ask me various things. I’m glad that they trust me, on the other hand, I often freak out like “I’m a physical therapist, so I’m not specialised in drugs and supplements…”. So, I’m often helped by the members of your “Doping 0 kai” and I’m very thankful to that!
YOSHIDA: That’s good! You are a heavy user of “Doping 0 kai”, right? Ha, ha. As you know, there are not only pharmacist but also medical specialists in “Doping 0 kai”, and make sure that people with different occupation cooperate. Not only we, pharmacists but also doctors, nurses, nutritionists, clinical psychologists working in various clinical departments, and trainers working with athletes answer the question related to medical science from their point of view, and have a discussion. Sometimes I find new idea there and it’s interesting even just to read conversation.
YOSHIDA: That’s good! You are a heavy user of “Doping 0 kai”, right? Ha, ha. As you know, there are not only pharmacist but also medical specialists in “Doping 0 kai”, and make sure that people with different occupation cooperate. Not only we, pharmacists but also doctors, nurses, nutritionists, clinical psychologists working in various clinical departments, and trainers working with athletes answer the question related to medical science from their point of view, and have a discussion. Sometimes I find new idea there and it’s interesting even just to read conversation.
YOSHIDA: I started “Doping 0 kai” when I was feeling a sense of inferiority. Though I’m a pharmacist, I’m working for a company and haven’t had “clinical experience” at pharmacy. I wasn’t using knowledge I had studied for the qualification at work, and I was worried like “Will I be able to help athletes?”.
But one day, I saw from a different perspective and changed my mind like “Any specialist must have strengths and weaknesses. If there’s something I can’t deal with myself, I’ll ask its expert.”, and then I started “Doping 0 kai”. You can’t count on people unless you know their specialty, so I think it is important to connect with each other, like I organise workshop at “Doping 0 kai”, so that people can ask things without hesitation.
And I’m thinking if I could show a new path to the pharmacist industry through this activity. It’ll be great if I could tell other pharmacists that “If you take a step outside, the world is so much fun!”, and stimulate the pharmacist industry!
But one day, I saw from a different perspective and changed my mind like “Any specialist must have strengths and weaknesses. If there’s something I can’t deal with myself, I’ll ask its expert.”, and then I started “Doping 0 kai”. You can’t count on people unless you know their specialty, so I think it is important to connect with each other, like I organise workshop at “Doping 0 kai”, so that people can ask things without hesitation.
And I’m thinking if I could show a new path to the pharmacist industry through this activity. It’ll be great if I could tell other pharmacists that “If you take a step outside, the world is so much fun!”, and stimulate the pharmacist industry!
The way of supporting athletes in the new era: SNS and interprofessional collaboration
YAMAOKA: Thank you for telling me the behind-the-scenes story how “Doping 0 kai” started! It’s getting livelier now and I really enjoy being part of it. Female athlete group and Twitter account are launched.
YOSHIDA: Indeed. SNS for me is the tool to connect with others and something I cannot do without. When I first started, I was offering information on anti-doping on my personal Twitter account or Youtube channel, but now, thankfully, the members work together and started to spread information as “Doping 0 kai”, which means, as an organisation. As the organiser, I can’t thank them enough. Keeping this relaxed atmosphere in “Doping 0 kai”, I want more people to join and expand the group.
Sports pharmacists may not get involved with athletes directly, but it’s like, we get involved with many people in a way, and I realized that I could broaden my world through this activity. This is a good thing of utilizing SNS.
YOSHIDA: Indeed. SNS for me is the tool to connect with others and something I cannot do without. When I first started, I was offering information on anti-doping on my personal Twitter account or Youtube channel, but now, thankfully, the members work together and started to spread information as “Doping 0 kai”, which means, as an organisation. As the organiser, I can’t thank them enough. Keeping this relaxed atmosphere in “Doping 0 kai”, I want more people to join and expand the group.
Sports pharmacists may not get involved with athletes directly, but it’s like, we get involved with many people in a way, and I realized that I could broaden my world through this activity. This is a good thing of utilizing SNS.
If you act, then the first tile of Domino will be toppled.
YAMAOKA: Now, you are one of the leading people who is dealing with people’s concerns about anti-doping, I assume many “people who support sports” are encouraged by your words. I am one of them. So, what made you who you are now?
YOSHIDA: My action, I suppose. If I act, then the first tile of Domino will be toppled. In my case, giving a talk at a lecture as an opening act broadened my world at once. On the other hand, I get nervous when I try to start something new, and it requires energy and time to take one step forward. I think it is important to take one step forward without being afraid.
I was really happy when I heard a junior pharmacist determined to change job after knowing the activities of “Doping 0 kai”, saying “I want to try in bigger world.”. I thought “Ah, he was encouraged.”. I’m grateful that in “Doping 0kai”, there’s an atmosphere of supporting each to try new things. This is a common story of medical workers that what they like doing is “supporting others”. Since many members of “Doping 0 kai” are medical workers, there is an atmosphere of supporting others, I assume. Talking about myself, I especially want to get involved with sports and I’d like to encourage athletes and their supporters. When I visit places around the country, I try to build relationship with people I meet at the destination, I have so much fun collaborating with people around the country.
YOSHIDA: My action, I suppose. If I act, then the first tile of Domino will be toppled. In my case, giving a talk at a lecture as an opening act broadened my world at once. On the other hand, I get nervous when I try to start something new, and it requires energy and time to take one step forward. I think it is important to take one step forward without being afraid.
I was really happy when I heard a junior pharmacist determined to change job after knowing the activities of “Doping 0 kai”, saying “I want to try in bigger world.”. I thought “Ah, he was encouraged.”. I’m grateful that in “Doping 0kai”, there’s an atmosphere of supporting each to try new things. This is a common story of medical workers that what they like doing is “supporting others”. Since many members of “Doping 0 kai” are medical workers, there is an atmosphere of supporting others, I assume. Talking about myself, I especially want to get involved with sports and I’d like to encourage athletes and their supporters. When I visit places around the country, I try to build relationship with people I meet at the destination, I have so much fun collaborating with people around the country.
Growing up to contribute to someone. We try to act globally with fellows!
YAMAOKA: Thank you very much for sharing a great story. Lastly, could I have a quick word from you?
YOSHIDA: Recently, I was impressed by a word “Growing up to contribute to something”. If I grow up, I can contribute to someone. That made sense to me, I thought “if it is for someone, I’ll do my best to grow up”. It’ll be great if I inspired someone and could help them grow up. I’m going to continue my activity to eliminate doping from the world of sports. Thank you for today!
YOSHIDA: Recently, I was impressed by a word “Growing up to contribute to something”. If I grow up, I can contribute to someone. That made sense to me, I thought “if it is for someone, I’ll do my best to grow up”. It’ll be great if I inspired someone and could help them grow up. I’m going to continue my activity to eliminate doping from the world of sports. Thank you for today!
■Doping 0 kai (0 Doping group) (The link will direct you to Twitter)
The online community for spreading knowledge of anti-doping to make the world of sports doping free. 159 people (as of 20th January, 2021), such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, PT, AT, nutritionists, acupuncturists, judo therapists, clinical psychologists, etc. are working. We offer knowledge of anti-doping, news, etc.!
The online community for spreading knowledge of anti-doping to make the world of sports doping free. 159 people (as of 20th January, 2021), such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, PT, AT, nutritionists, acupuncturists, judo therapists, clinical psychologists, etc. are working. We offer knowledge of anti-doping, news, etc.!
The sports and disciplines
of the World Masters
Games 2021 Kansai
held in the neighbourhood.
Introducing the poster
Ayaka YAMAOKA
I am from Nara Prefecture. I love rowing! I am working in a hospital as a physiotherapist / trainer.
・Staff of Japan Rowing Association, Para Rowing Committee
・Instructor authorized by the Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center, “Asuchare! Messenger”
・Member of 23rd Shiga Prefecture Provisional Council for Sport
・Chief instructor of the general incorporated association “Cococalabo, Step+”
・Staff of Japan Rowing Association, Para Rowing Committee
・Instructor authorized by the Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center, “Asuchare! Messenger”
・Member of 23rd Shiga Prefecture Provisional Council for Sport
・Chief instructor of the general incorporated association “Cococalabo, Step+”
![Circle of anti-doping that started in Setagawa, Shiga Prefecture! ― Did you know the “Healing power of Lake Biwa” that may make a huge impact on your life? ― [The first part]](../../upload_img/20210205163259799285592.jpg)
![Sneaking into the “great base of table tennis” in the underground passage of Kobe station! – Do you know the “Metro Table tennis” located underground? – [The latter part]](../../upload_img/202101081716431687500440.jpg)
