My Naturopathic Philosophy

Understanding the Different Types of Physicians

Physicians fall into three major categories: Medical Doctors (MDs), Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), and Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMDs or NDs). MDs focus on conventional Western medicine, primarily diagnosing and treating symptoms through a biomedical model with an emphasis on pharmaceuticals and surgery. DOs share much of this approach but add a focus on the body’s musculoskeletal structure and how it relates to health, often incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment as part of care. NMDs, meanwhile, are guided by principles that prioritize natural healing processes, prevention, and whole-person care. While all three types of physicians are dedicated to improving patient health, they differ in their philosophical frameworks and therapeutic approaches.

Education and Training of Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopathic medical doctors complete four years of education at accredited naturopathic medical colleges, with over 4,100 hours of combined classroom instruction and clinical training. To become licensed, they must pass two sets of board examinations known as the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). Trained as primary care physicians, NDs are qualified to diagnose, treat, and prevent both acute and chronic conditions. The naturopathic medical school curriculum is comparable to that of MD and DO programs, covering the biomedical sciences—including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis—while also providing extensive training in therapeutic modalities such as pharmaceutical care, botanical medicine, nutrient therapy, homeopathy, environmental medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, counseling, and physical medicine. Naturopathic students complete supervised clinical rotations with real patients, gaining direct experience in both acute and chronic care.

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Naturopathic Principles

The principles that guide Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMDs) emphasize a holistic and patient-centered approach to health, focusing on treating the whole person, addressing root causes, and supporting the body’s inherent healing abilities. These guiding principles—such as First, Do No Harm, the Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae), and identifying and treating the underlying causes of illness—are applied through the Therapeutic Order, a framework that prioritizes the most natural, least invasive, and most supportive treatments first, progressing to more advanced interventions only as necessary.

Within this model, NMDs emphasize lifestyle, nutrition, and foundational health practices before moving to targeted natural therapies, pharmaceutical care, or interventional approaches when appropriate. By educating patients, preventing disease, and integrating physical, mental, and environmental factors, naturopathic physicians foster long-term well-being. These principles and the Therapeutic Order define the unique approach of NMDs, setting them apart from MDs and DOs while complementing the broader medical community in a shared commitment to improving patient health.

REAL RELIEF IS A CONSULTATION AWAY

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