The Naturopathic Doctor

Naturopathic doctors (ND) are general medical practitioners trained in family practice with a specialty in natural medicine. ND's treat disease and restore health utilizing therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, botanical (herbal) medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and manipulation, Oriental medicine, psychological medicine and counseling, Minor Surgery and Hydrotherapy.

Naturopaths also learn and can specialize in obstetrics (natural childbirth) and acupuncture. In practice, the Naturopathic doctor can perform physiological examinations, gynecological exams, laboratory testing, nutritional and dietary assessments, allergy testing, x-ray examinations, and other clinical and physical diagnostic testing.

Naturopathic medicine is effective in treating acute and chronic diseases and many common health problems. Preventative medicine and treatment is a primary concern as the naturopathic methods can help prevent the development of minor illness and the degeneration of chronic diseases.

Naturopaths cooperate with other branches of medicine and their medical professionals referring when necessary to provide a complimentary medical foundation.

Naturopathic Medical Education

An accredited naturopathic doctor has a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree from an accredited, four-year postgraduate naturopathic medical school.

In states where they are regulated, naturopathic physicians must pass either a national and state level board examination and their actions are subject to review by a State Board of Examiners.

The Doctorate degree requires extensive study and training in the basic and clinical medical studies including:

• Anatomy

• Biochemistry

• Microbiology

• Pharmacology

• Radiology

• Cardiology

• Physiology

• Pathology

• Immunology

• Dermatology

• Neurology

• Minor surgery

• Gynecology

• Pediatrics

• Clinical and physical diagnosis

In addition to the standard medical curriculum coursework in the natural therapeutics including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, natural childbirth, naturopathic manipulation, psychology and counseling, Chinese medicine and others are completed throughout the four years.