About Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopathic physicians are primary health care practitioners.  They are trained to be the doctor who is first seen by the patient for general health care, advice on keeping healthy, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.

They also serve those whose treatment by conventional means has not met their needs and who seek naturopathic care as an alternative.

Naturopathic medical degrees are referred to both as NMD or ND.  The current scope of naturopathic practice includes, but is not limited to:

• Clinical Nutrition

• Botanical Medicine

• Homeopathic Medicine

• Physical Medicine

• Oriental Medicine

• Naturopathic Obstetrics

• Psychological Medicine

• Minor Surgery

Naturopathic practice does not include the primary use of most synthetic drugs and major surgery, although naturopathic physicians refer patients to specialists if these are indicated.

Naturopathic physicians are well-trained in all modern methods of diagnostic testing, including X-ray, ultrasound, and other imaging techniques.

The majority of naturopathic physicians are in general, private practice.  Some, however, choose to emphasize particular treatment modalities, some of which are listed above.  Or they may concentrate in particular medical fields such as pediatrics, gynecology, allergies, arthritis, etc.

The ND/NMD course of study is an intensive four-year graduate program which involves approximately 4,500 hours of academic and clinical training.  The program leads to licensure as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND/NMD).

It is important to distinguish licensed naturopathic physicians from non-licensed practitioners who have completed only short-term course work, mostly by correspondence.