QU CPH holds workshop on Drugs in Sports

Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU-CPH) hosted a workshop on “Drugs in Sports” on December 21, aimed at exploring the use of drugs by athletes and defining the roles and responsibilities of healthcare practitioners and athlete-support personnel according to the World Anti-Doping code.

This workshop supports the establishment of the new elective course “Drugs in Sport” at the college. Organized by the CPH’s Continuing Professional Development Health Care Practitioners (CPD-HCP) program, the event brought together over 80 practitioners, scientists and researchers from private and public institutions across Qatar, including Supreme Council of Health (SCH), Aspetar, Khulood and Wellcare Pharmacies, and Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ).

The program agenda included a presentation entitled “Doping and Anti-Doping in Sport and the Role of Healthcare Professionals” delivered by Liverpool John Moores University emeritus professor of pharmacy practice Dr David Mottram who was followed by Qatar Anti-Doping Commission executive director Dr Fatima Al-Malki. Two facilitators - SCH pharmacy and drug pharmacist Ahmed Babiker and HMC senior pharmacist Afif Ahmed also shared their expertise and knowledge.

Commenting on the workshop, CPH dean Dr Ayman El-Kadi said: “It aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 which sees sports as an inspiration for an active and healthy society, and demonstrates the College’s role in uplifting its students academically as well as engaging them on issues that are of the interest of the wider community. This also shows the College’s ongoing mission to enrich its academic portfolio through the establishment of the new elective course “Drugs in Sport” with the aim to prepare the future generation of pharmacists and engage them in addressing the use of pharmaceuticals in sporting events.”

CPH Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr Mohammad Diab said: “The events shows the College’s role in raising awareness on various issues related to health and well-being in Qatar. In holding this event, CPH continues in its mission to engage healthcare providers in encouraging youth towards sportive and healthy lifestyles at a time when sport is becoming a fast-growing sector in Qatar.” CPD-HCP Coordinator Dr Nadir Kheir said: “Workshops and activities like this one are integral to the professional development of all healthcare providers in the country. These monthly activities are well-attended and continue to encourage participation by healthcare providers, students, and alumni.”