How are naturopathic doctors different from medical doctors?
What does naturopathic medical education include?
How are naturopathic doctors licensed?
Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?
Can a naturopathic doctor take me off my current prescription medications?
What is the difference between a homeopath and a naturopathic doctor?
How are naturopathic doctors different from medical doctors?
One of the things that distinguishes naturopathic medicine from conventional medicine is the time spent during an initial appointment. Naturopathic doctors believe illness is more than just its presenting symptoms, and allow an hour for every first office visit in order to completely understand the background and influencing factors of the individual. Naturopathic doctors also work on a continuum of intervention, and try to use the least invasive methods of treatment possible. For example, NDs work with a patient to increase health through nutrition and lifestyle changes before using prescription medications. Naturopathic doctors use laboratory and physical evaluation for assessment, similar to medical doctors.
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What does naturopathic medical education include?
To earn a naturopathic doctorate, a student must complete an undergraduate degree and all premedical courses. Naturopathic medical school is a four to five year intensive postgraduate program offered by nationally accredited naturopathic medical colleges. During their studies, students learn naturopathic theory, gain naturopathic clinical experience, and complete a core curriculum of basic science courses identical to that of a traditional medical school. Diagnostic courses (e.g., pulmonology, radiology) cover conventional medical treatments, but diverge to focus on treatments using naturopathic methods. To see a full listing of courses and clinical rotations visit: http://bastyr.edu/academic/naturopath/curriculum.asp?track=4
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How are naturopathic doctors licensed?
All eligible candidates must pass a national board examination by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) in order to qualify for licensure. Once licensed, a naturopathic doctor may apply for licensure as a primary care practitioner at the state level. Download (PDF) a description of the scope of practice and criteria for licensure in the state of California (bill SB907).
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Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?
Naturopathic doctors in the state of California can currently prescribe epinephrine, hormones, birth contraception, professional-grade nutritional and botanical supplements and homeopathic remedies. With an established relationship between a MD or DO, naturopathic doctors have an expanded prescription writing scope.
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Can a naturopathic doctor take me off my current prescription medications?
Often the answer is yes. Although naturopathic doctors cannot take people off of prescriptions they did not write, patients typically begin to feel better during work with a ND and may ask their prescribing physician to reduce the dosage of a particular medicine. This is a gradual, dynamic process and must be done with care on an individual basis.
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What is the difference between a homeopath and a naturopathic doctor?
A homeopath is a healthcare provider who is trained in the method of homeopathy but did not attend a naturopathic medical program. Homeopathy is a modality within naturopathic medicine, but naturopathic doctors are also trained in the areas of basic medical science, pharmacy, nutrition, botanical and physical medicine and lifestyle counseling.
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MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to learn more about naturopathic medicine, licensing, philosophies and associations please visit the following sites:
Bastyr Univeristy: Bastyr.edu
National College of Naturopathic Medicine: NCNM.edu
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine: SCNM.edu
Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine: Bridgeport.edu
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: naturopathic.org
California Naturopathic Doctors Association: CalND.org
North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners: www.NABNE.org
Tilo Medical Integrative Health Care tilomedical.com
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