How do I find a well-trained naturopathic physician?
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Despite my many blog posts about our educational level, I realize that there is still some misinformation about naturopathic physicians. Many people want access to naturopathic medicine and well-trained naturopathic physicians, but it is still a little confusing as to who’s who. Here’s my guide to finding a legitimate naturopathic doctor and supporting our profession:
1) Check out the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) website: www.naturopathic.org. Click on the link “find a naturopathic doctor near you”. This is the quickest and easiest way to find a licensed naturopathic physician. All ND’s listed on the AANP website have graduated from 4-year medical schools.
2) The AANP maintains an up-to-date list of which states license naturopathic physicians. Why is this important? In unlicensed states any person can call themselves a “naturopath” regardless of their training. Are you in an unlicensed state? Be extremely cautious when interacting with someone who claims to be a naturopath or naturopathic doctor. Always ask where they received their training (it should be from one of 6 schools: Bastyr, Boucher, Bridgeport, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Natural Medicine, or Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine). Note that there are many “diploma mill” type colleges that offer “Naturopathic Doctor” degrees. These are typically online or distance learning courses, and these graduates can only call themselves “doctor” in unlicensed states. These graduates have not had hands-on coursework (like a cadaver lab, or training in minor surgery or physical exam techniques), or supervised interaction with real patients (minimum 1,200 hours for licensed ND’s). There are qualified ND’s in unlicensed states; most practice very conservatively (as a “healthcare consultant” or something similar), and simultaneously hold a license in a licensed state. This is because there is no governing body in that state.
In licensed states, you can simply search for any Naturopathic Physician or Naturopathic Doctor to find a well-qualified medical professional. Ask around to find one that suits you – many ND’s have additional training in certain areas, or tend to focus on a specific patient population (like pediatrics, or physical medicine/body work, or cardiology patients). Different naturopathic physicians have different personalities just like everyone else.
3) Get involved! Are you in an unlicensed state? Call/e-mail your state senator or representative and ask to draft legislation requiring the licensure of naturopathic physicians. Check the AANP website for updates regarding the status of your state. Currently New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have legislation in the works, in addition to Maryland, Virginia, Colorado and Iowa – states whose legislative sessions have ended for the year.
Remember, you can make a difference when it comes to a patient’s right to choose appropriate, effective, preventive healthcare.
Mahalia Freed, ND
August 24, 2011 at 12:04 pmIn Canada, check the Canadian Assoociation of Naturopathic Doctors at http://www.cand.ca/Canadian_Association_of_Naturopathi.home.0.html?&L=0 for information and a list of all licensed ND members. Note that currently national membership and provincial memberships are not linked, so that not all NDs are represented by the national association. Should be coming soon, though!
in health,
Mahalia Freed, ND, in Toronto ON, Canada
Blanca
November 13, 2012 at 11:36 pmI can’t speak for the US because I’m in Australia.I’m doing a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). It’s 4 years 2 years throey sciences (nutrition, biochemistry, human disease processes, herbal medicine, etc) and then 2 years of ongoing science + clinical experience because my college has its own student clinic. We treat people with a partner and a supervisor, and the client gets it extremely cheap or even free during certain promotions. They just pay for any supplements/herbal med/creams/lotions etc. I’m not sure why you want to become a nurse in particular but Naturopathy courses have plenty of biomedicine included Unfortunately, in my country, Naturopathy is not a registered profession so anybody can call themself a Naturopath and start up a clinic, legally, without any qualifications. We are trying to change it though, just as the chiropractors and osteopaths had to battle for not long ago.And to the person who is talking about scientific medicine: natural medicine IS science/evidence based medicine. Naturopathy is a BHSc. We are not separate, we just focus on nutrition, supplementation and herbal medicine and avoid synthetic pharmaceuticals where possible.Don’t link Naturopathy or anything Naturopathic with other alternative practices such as spiritual/religious/unproven methods like energy healing. They are two very separate things.Nutrition herbal medicine are both proven with significant clinical trials, which are the two core modalities of Naturopathy. So maybe research Naturopathy before making claims like we don’t base our practice on science or evidence, or that we are anti science based medicine.
Erika Krumbeck
August 24, 2011 at 7:06 pmThank you, Dr. Freed, for giving the Canadian readers the link to the CAND!
ateronon
October 17, 2014 at 4:43 amThank you for some other wonderful post. Where else may anyone get that type of info in such a perfect manner of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such info.