Naturopathic Doctors

Graduate from federally accredited, postgraduate naturopathic medical schools;
May attend various clinical or research-associated residency programs;
Are state licensed after passing rigorous state board exams;
Use standardized, science-based methods as well as traditional methods of medical diagnosis and treatment;
Use prescription medicines as well as various forms of natural medicines, diet and nutrition, homeopathy, counseling, manipulation and exercise therapy;
Engage you as an advocate for and partner in your health care;
Trained to work with least invasive treatments to achieve greatest degree of health;
Include preventive measures to ensure future health and wellness.

Education and Licensing

Today's Naturopathic physicians graduate from federally accredited, postgraduate naturopathic medical schools. In these four to five year doctorate programs, they learn standardized, science-based methods of medical diagnosis and treatment as well as various traditional and clinically researched forms of natural medicine including herbal/botanical medicine, diet and nutrition, homeopathy, and various forms of physical medicine such as manipulation and exercise therapy. Some graduates attend various clinical or research-associated residency programs before entering private practice. Naturopathic physicians are state licensed after passing rigorous state board exams and must maintain yearly state requirements for continuing medical education to continue their licensure. From the beginning, naturopathic physicians are taught to engage you, the patient, as an advocate for and partner in your health care and to involve all aspects of your health history and life experience in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of your health condition(s), not just the diagnosable pathology.

Philosophy and Style of Practice

Naturopathic physicians are trained to work with the least invasive treatments necessary to achieve the greatest degree of health and wellness. For some patients this may simply mean lifestyle counseling. While with other patients it may mean dietary changes, nutritional supplements and botanical medicine. In more serious cases, the least invasive, most effective treatment may mean the use of pharmaceutical drugs and/or surgery. In any case, it is the job of the naturopathic physician, along with the patient, to determine and implement the most appropriate and effective, least invasive treatments necessary to assure the most optimal outcome for each patient. This can then be followed up with other preventive measures to ensure future health and wellness. Further, as a primary care physician, it is the naturopath's job to know you, your family, and the other health care providers involved in your care. This assures better coordination of your care and aids in making the best diagnosis and associated treatment plan.

Principles

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Understanding the innate healing response inherent in every individual to establish, maintain and restore health
Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
Removing the underlying imbalances and obstacles to healing, not just treating symptoms
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Utilizing the least invasive, most effective tools for diagnosing and treating the patient's illness
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Using the latest scientific studies as well as traditional knowledge to educate and empower the patient
Treat the Whole Person
Health includes not just the physical, but also the emotional, mental, social and spiritual realms
Prevention
Focus attention on preventing illness rather than just treating its symptoms

For more information regarding our philosophies, training, credentialing and licensing, please visit our colleges, professional organizations, and web sites below.

WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?