What is naturopathic medicine?

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Naturopathic medicine combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science.  It focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.  By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s innate ability to restore and maintain optimal health.  The naturopathic physician (ND) aims to identify and remove underlying causes of disease and barriers to good health.

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How is a naturopathic physician different from (or the same as) a medical doctor?​

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Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) understand the language of conventional medicine and diagnose health conditions like MDs.  In addition, NDs bring to the patient a holistic and integrative approach.  Naturopathic doctors teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to fight disease.  NDs view the patient as an interrelated system (a whole person).  Naturopathic physicians’ comprehensive treatment plans blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to not only treat disease, but to also restore health.

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Naturopathic physicians keep themselves up-to-date on the latest scientific research and incorporate this evidence into their treatments.  When necessary, naturopathic doctors will refer to other health care practitioners.  Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers.  Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed healthcare practitioners.

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Unfortunately, NDs are not licensed to practice in every state.  I am licensed to practice in Utah and California.  It is important that you find out the laws in your state and look for a naturopathic doctor who is adequately trained.  Some people call themselves “naturopaths” or “NDs” that do not have any clinical training.  To find out more and to find a qualified ND in your area, visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ website.

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What training do licensed naturopathic doctors go through?

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A licensed naturopathic physician attends a four-year graduate-level accredited naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD but also studies holistic, natural approaches with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness.  In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, and botanical medicine.  A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.

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I graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine, one of the accredited naturopathic medical schools.

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As a Naturopathic Doctor, My Focus is…

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As a naturopathic physician, my focus is the patient in front of me and their unique health needs.  I recognize that symptoms are an indication that the body is out of balance, and my treatments are aimed at supporting the body’s innate ability to heal rather than simply suppressing symptoms.  Because my focus is patient-centered and holistic, I am able to treat patients with a variety of health concerns.  I take time to fully assess a patient’s concerns (through history, physical exam, and laboratory testing), to get to the underlying cause of their health concerns and identify any obstacles they have to achieving optimal health.  The tools I use are a customized diet and wellness programs including nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and homeopathy.

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Important Note: When searching for a naturopathic physician in your area, be sure to find a fully trained ND who has attended an accredited naturopathic medical school and has passed postdoctoral board examination.  Some people claiming to be naturopathic doctors have only attended correspondence programs and have no clinical training.