Sports Pharmacy Podcast

Unlocking Blood Biomarkers for Peak Performance: Insights from Pratik Patel

In this episode, Dr. Brandon Welch interviews Pratik Patel, a sports performance expert and former NFL coach, about blood biomarkers, health optimization, and misconceptions in sports performance. They explore how to interpret lab values, the importance of context, and practical strategies for athletes and clinicians.

Sideline Science: Does REDs Exist?

In this inaugural episode of Sideline Science, Kaleigh Steelman is joined by Sports Pharmacy Network star Nilhan Uzman for a quick journal-club style review of the 2024 article “Does Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Syndrome Exist?” Together, we briefly break down the authors’ main arguments surrounding REDs, low energy availability (LEA), and the challenges of diagnosing REDs in athletes. We also touch on the idea that many symptoms commonly associated with REDs may be multifactorial and influenced by factors beyond energy intake alone. This episode is designed to provide concise, clinically relevant takeaways for sports healthcare professionals looking to stay current on emerging conversations in athlete health and performance. As a reminder, the information provided by the Sports Pharmacy Network is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Reference: Jeukendrup AE, Areta JL, Van Genechten L, et al. Does Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Syndrome Exist?Sports Medicine. 2024;54:2793–2816. Athlete Health and Readiness Checklist: https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/blobs/af59/11561064/b9f4a726c76a/40279_2024_2108_Fig4_HTML.jpg

The Hidden Risks of Medication Use in Sports: Inadvertent Doping, Safety, and How Medications Affect Athletic Performance

In this episode, Colin Ryan, a sports pharmacist with extensive experience, joins us to discuss the critical intersection of medication use, legality, safety, and performance in athletes. Topics include inadvertent doping risks, medication governance, and the impact of medications like GLP-1 agonists and inhalers on athletic performance. Key topics include: Inadvertent doping risks and system failures Medication governance and athlete safety Impact of GLP-1 agonists on athletes Role of pharmacists in sports medicine Medication safety in community and elite sports Keywords sports pharmacy, athlete medication, doping, medication safety, performance impact, anti-doping, sports medicine, pharmacology, athlete health, medication governance Resources WADA Prohibited List - https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list GlobalDro Anti-Doping Resource - https://globaldro.com/ Informed Sport Testing - https://informed-sport.com/ Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Sports Pharmacy Module - https://www.rcsi.com/ireland IOC Certificate in Drugs and Sport - https://www.olympic.org/education FIFA Diploma in Football and Medicine - https://www.fifa.com/medical

Developing a Sports Pharmacy Rotation

With The Sports Pharmacy Summit planning in full force, please join us in revisiting this previously recorded webinar with PharmD candidate Mikka Anora who shares her journey of creating one of the first Sports Pharmacy APPE rotations—from concept to implementation. Hosted by Jessica Veal, PharmD, CHO of the Sports Pharmacy Network, with insights from Kristal S. Potter, PharmD, BCPS, Chief of Operations for SPN and Director of Experiential Education at Larkin University College of Pharmacy, this discussion explores how pharmacy students can bring their passions to life through experiential learning.💡 Topics Covered: * How to design a new experiential rotation from scratch * Integrating pharmacy practice into sports medicine settings * Collaborating with athletic trainers, physicians, and coaches * Overcoming challenges and building professional confidence Lessons learned from developing the first sports pharmacy elective at Marshall UniversityThis session highlights the interdisciplinary power of pharmacists in athlete care and provides practical steps for students and educators interested in expanding pharmacy practice into sports medicine and performance health.

CBD in Sports Medicine: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know

Unlock the truth about CBD in sports—what’s scientifically supported, what’s hype, and how you can make informed decisions. If you’re an athlete, coach, or sports medicine professional eager to cut through the noise and understand the real potential—and pitfalls—of CBD, this episode is your essential guide. Most discussions on CBD focus on anecdotal benefits and sensational claims. Dr. Jeff Konin, a renowned sports medicine expert and researcher, and our host Kaleigh, take you deep into the science—explaining how CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, the differences between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolates, and why dosing, product quality, and legal guidelines matter. He shares groundbreaking insights from his data-driven journey exploring CBD’s effects on pain, recovery, sleep, and inflammation, emphasizing the importance of trust, education, and personalized care in athlete health. You’ll discover: * How CBD works at the molecular level and why individual responses vary * The challenges of quality control, mislabeled products, and why certification matters * The complex regulatory landscape for athletes—what’s prohibited, what’s allowed, and how to stay compliant * The clinical versus statistical significance of CBD’s benefits in sports performance * Practical tips on product formulations, dosing strategies, and where to find reputable products This episode offers crucial knowledge to avoid costly mistakes, leverage CBD’s potential responsibly, and provide your athletes with safe, evidence-based guidance. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, don’t miss this deep dive into a rapidly evolving field that’s shaping the future of sports medicine. Dr. Jeff G. Konin is the Founder of the International Cannabis in Sport Academy. Considered by many to be one of the leading cannabis educators in the world, Dr. Konin is highly sought after for his ability to take complex cannabis issues and explain them in understandable terms.  His live in-person presentations are engaging and influential to all who are in a position to better understand the challenges associated with cannabis. For this reason, numerous professional sports teams, high level collegiate sports teams, and cannabis industry leaders turn to Dr. Konin for advice. Dr. Konin is also recognized as an expert pertaining to the relationship of cannabis and performance, whether this relates to athletic performance impairments or similar potential impact with cannabis interactions associated with driving and workplace performance.   Website: https://cannabisinsport.org [https://cannabisinsport.org] Perfect for: coaches, athletic trainers, sports pharmacists, and athletes curious about CBD’s role in recovery and performance. Promos: * Use code "FIFTY" for $50 of the 2026 Sports Pharmacy Summit! Register here: https://sportsrxnetwork.com [https://sportsrxnetwork.com] * Use code: "RXCHEATSHEETS" for 20% off your Proper Wild order! Order here: https://properwild.com [https://properwild.com]