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what is a naturopathic
doctor?
Naturopathic physicians (N.D.'s) are primary care practitioners,
trained as specialists in preventative medicine and natural
therapeutics. N.D.'s combine and individualize a wide variety
of therapies based on a philosophy which acknowledges and encourages
patients to be active participants in their own healthcare.
training
A licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) has attended a four-year,
graduate level naturopathic medical school. The educational
and clinical training has many similarities to that of medical
doctors (MD) in the study of diagnosis. Naturopaths also have
extensive training in the medicine fields of nutrition, herbal
medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and physical medicine.
Naturopathic practitioners are trained to provide individual
and family-oriented healthcare to all age groups - from pediatrics
to geriatrics.
board certification and licensure
The North American Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners (NABNE)
provides the basic science board exam and the clinical science
board exam that most jurisdictions use to license Naturopathic
graduates. In order to qualify for Naturopathic licensure in
these states, a Naturopathic physician must pass national and
state board examinations and must have received an education
from an accredited four-year, graduate level, Naturopathic medical
school.
Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.'s) are licensed in the states
of Alaska, Arizona, British Virgin Islands, California, Connecticut,
District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire,
Oregon, Vermont, Utah, and Washington, as well as many Canadian
provinces.
In states where naturopathic medicine is not regulated by law,
naturopathic doctors function as educators, consultants, researchers
and writers. In these states, including New Jersey, it is important
to distinguish those naturopathic physicians that have completed
an intensive four-year program at an accredited school from
those who have completed a short-term course in naturopathy,
most often by correspondence. A national list of board certified
naturopathic doctors is available at www.naturopathic.org. |
First Do No Harm: Utilize the most
natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.
The Healing Power of Nature: The human
body possesses the inherent ability to restore
health. The physician's role is to facilitate
this process with the aid of natural, non-toxic
therapies.
Discover and Treat the Cause: Look
beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
Naturopathic physicians seek and treat the underlying
cause of a disease, not just the effect. Symptoms
are viewed as expressions of the body's natural
attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed
or treated so the patient can recover.
Treat the Whole Person: View the body
as an integrated whole in all its physical and
spiritual dimensions. The multiple factors in
health and disease are considered while treating
the whole person. Naturopathic physicians provide
flexible treatment programs to meet individual
health care needs.
Doctor as Teacher: Educate patients
in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.
The physician's major role is to educate, empower
and motivate patients to take responsibility
for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative
relationship with the patient has strong therapeutic
value.
Prevention is the Best Cure: Focus
on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.
Naturopathic physicians are preventative medicine
specialists. Naturopathic physicians assess
patient risk factors, hereditary and susceptibility
and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and
prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best
accomplished through education and a lifestyle
that supports health.
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©2005 The Natural
Health Clinic & Apothecary |
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