Naturopathic physicians (N.D.'s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are educated in the conventional medical sciences, laboratory diagnostics, and holistic treatments. A naturopathic physician has a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) degree from a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical university.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) offer the widest array of complementary and alternative medical services available in healthcare. NDs are trained to serve as primary care general practitioners and are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions. In order to become a licensed ND it is required that an applicant be a graduate of an accredited Naturopathic medical school and pass all state and national required board examinations (NPLEX).

Both are Doctors trained to diagnose the same conditions. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) complete 3 or 4 years of pre-med training (usually achieving a bachelor's degree) and then have 4 years of training at an accredited naturopathic medical college. NDs must successfully complete North American and provincial board exams prior to being granted licensure. NDs in Alberta and Yukon are in the processed of becoming licensed.

The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact on his/her health. The ND will take an in-depth patient history. In addition, information from a physical exam and laboratory tests may assist in making an assessment and diagnosis.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I use homeopathy as one of the therapies that I integrate into a total treatment plan. A Homeopathic Practitioner, on the other hand, would use only homeopathy. As well, Naturopathic Doctors are the only health-care professionals who are trained in homeopathy as part of their standard educational program, and are the only ones examined in homeopathy for licensing purposes.

Naturopathic physicians (ND) receive four-year undergraduate training in standard pre-medical courses followed by four to five years of graduate medical training, including a two-year clinical internship. The rigorous academic curriculum includes training in the medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and neuroscience. They are trained in clinical diagnosis, pathology and such specific topics as pediatrics, gynecology, oncology, dermatology and gastroenterology.

A homeopathic doctor uses one form of natural treatment for his/her patients, homeopathy. A naturopathic doctor (ND) is qualified in a wide range of natural therapies including homeopathy. ND's receive four years of full time postgraduate training in basic medical sciences and natural treatment and are licensed health professionals.

This depends on several factors: 1) nature and severity of the condition; 2) patient’s response to treatment modalities; 3) individual’s healing capacity; and 4) patient’s compliance with the treatment plan. Our goal is to bring the individual to a greater level of health. We pride ourselves on providing the best individualized patient care by truly listening to our patients and selecting treatments that best meet the needs of each patient.

Naturopathic doctors are trained at accredited, four-year, post-graduate naturopathic medical programs. Currently, there are 3 accredited schools in the U.S. which are; National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Oregon, Bastyr in Washington, and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. There are also two schools in Canada. Additionally, Bridgeport University is currently eligible for accredidation.

To become a naturopathic doctor you must first meet the admission requirements of one of the approved naturopathic medical schools. After graduation, applicants must successfully complete the international Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) and specific Ontario Board examinations . Candidates may then apply for registration with the BDDT-N

The first appointment with a naturopathic physician usually lasts 1 1/2 hours. It includes a thorough written questionnaire regarding your health history, your health concerns and your lifestyle. The physician will then conduct an in-depth interview about your health concerns and conduct a physical examination. A comprehensive treatment plan is sometimes developed during the first visit, though it is usually introduced over the next few visits.

Naturopathic doctors are unique in health care because their training combines conventional medical sciences and diagnostic tools with a broad scope of therapies. The ability to integrate different philosophies and practices gives us many tools to work with. This allows greater flexibility and creativity when approaching complex subjects like health and disease.

Naturopathic doctors are trained in homeopathy and utilize it as one of many different treatments. Many Naturopathic doctors choose to specialize in homeopathy and use it as their primary modality of choice. Homeopaths typically practice "classical homeopathy" which utilizes homeopathy as the one and only treatment for the individual.

Naturopathic physicians use therapies such as botanical medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, counseling, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, natural childbirth, minor surgery, and limited drug therapy. They apply these treatments according to the naturopathic principles.

It greatly depends on the nature of the condition (chronic vs acute). Some individuals have a greater capacity for healing and are seen less often. Typically, after the first office visit, the patient returns in two weeks to assess his or her progress and determine whether modifications in the treatment plan are needed. The goal is to bring the individual to a greater level of health, so typically patient visits become less necessary and less frequent over time.