About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is a specialty of medicine that focuses on primary care, treating the cause and preventing disease before it happens. Naturopathic Physicians focus on teaching ways to live a healthy life in order to help the body fight the possibility of disease. They use natural medicines such as botanicals, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, et cetera, to treat the cause of disease if it does occur and help patients correct any deficiency to give the person a chance to fight back, heal and never return. They may also use physical medicine such as hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation to correct structural dysfunction if needed. If appropriate and absolutely indicated, pharmaceutical intervention may be used.
Naturopaths are considered Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) who can diagnose and treat disease and illness. Diagnosis is obtained through scientific means such as laboratory studies, imaging reports and physical exam. Treatment is supported through scientific studies and peer-reviewed journals as well as some clinical evidence and experience.
Naturopathic Education
Naturopaths are trained at accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in a four-year Doctorate program in Naturopathic Medicine. A Naturopathic Candidate must have a Bachelor degree and pre-med requirements completed before attending. The education is very similar to conventional medical school with the first two years focusing on basic sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physical and Clinical Diagnosis. The third and fourth year focuses on clinical sciences such as Gynecology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Neurology and many more, meanwhile attending an internship the Bastyr Clinic and many satellite specialty clinics, specializing in areas such as Geriatrics, HIV/AIDS, Women’s Health, Homeless Youth and Oncology. Interspersed through the four-year training are classes specific to Naturopathic Medicine such as Botanical Medicine, Nutrition, Homeopathy, Counseling, Hydrotherapy, Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine, Spinal Manipulation, et cetera. At the end of two years, the candidates take Basic Science Board Exams and after graduation (four years), the Naturopathic Physicians take Clinical Board Exams in order to obtain licensure in the State of their choice.
Use these links to find out more about Naturopathic Medicine:
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
