The naturopathic physician is defined by the U.S. Department of Labor as one who: “Diagnoses, treats and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases treatment of physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing [the] human body: Utilizes physiological, psychological and mechanical methods, such as air, water, light, heat, earth, phytotherapy, food and herb therapy, psychotherapy, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, minor and orificial surgery, mechanotherapy, naturopathic corrections and manipulation, and natural methods and modalities, together with natural medicines, natural processed foods and herbs and nature’s remedies. Excludes major surgery, therapeutic use of X-ray and radium, and use of drugs, except those assimilable substances containing elements or compounds which are components of body tissues and are physiologically compatible to body processes for maintenance of life.” (Yet many states have broad drug formularies that allow NDs to prescribe drugs.) It should be noted that the state of Utah requires a one-year residency before licensing NDs. Like other physicians, recently graduated NDs are encouraged to seek additional clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed physician in the form of residencies and mentorships.
Licensing and Certification of Naturopathic Physicians Naturopathic physicians practice in most states and Canadian provinces, as well as foreign countries under various legal provisions. At publication, states and Canadian provinces licensing NDs are Alaska, Alberta, Arizona,British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Manitoba, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. In other United States and Canadian jurisdictions, a varying scope of naturopathic practice may be permitted or protected by court decisions, attorney general opinions or local regulations. Efforts to enact licensing laws are under way in several states. Legislation is in the final stages of consideration in several states. The best sources of current information about the legal status of naturopathic medicine in a particular area are the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (4435 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 403, Washington, DC 20016, or www.naturopathic. org), state or provincial naturopathic associations, and individual naturopathic physicians practicing in that area. Currently all states that license naturopathic physicians require graduation from a residential course of study offered through a college approved by the examining jurisdiction. NCNM meets all requirements of, and is accredited by, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Completion of the ND degree
at NCNM or another CNME recognized institution qualifies candidates to sit for a board licensing examination that every applicant must pass to be licensed. Similarly, NCNM graduates are eligible to sit for examination in Canadian provinces that license naturopathic medicine. While each jurisdiction has its own examination requirements, an increasing number use the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX) as part or all of the required testing.
Diagnostic Techniques NDs are trained in conventional diagnostic techniques such as physical exam, laboratory testing, differential diagnosis, X-ray and ultrasound imaging, and psychological assessment. In addition, NDs use specialized laboratory tests that assess physiological function, as well as other observational, physical, examination and evaluation techniques. NDs endeavor to identify disease states in the context of the individual’s overall health.
Therapeutic Techniques Botanical Medicine: Many plant substances are powerful medicines. Where isolated chemically derived drugs may address only a single problem, botanical medicines are able to address a variety of problems simultaneously. When properly administered, most botanical medicines can be applied effectively with minimal chance of side effects. Clinical Nutrition: Food is the best medicine and is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice. Many medical conditions can be treated effectively with foods and nutritional supplements, with fewer complications and side effects. NDs use diet, natural hygiene, fasting and nutritional supplementation in their practices. Homeopathic Medicine: Homeopathic medicine is the treatment of disease/symptoms using correctly prescribed, minimal doses of natural substances (plant, animal, mineral), which, if taken in larger doses, would cause disease/symptoms—the acting principle being “like cures like.” It promotes the return to health on physical, mental and spiritual levels. Mind/Body Medicine: Mental attitudes and emotional states may influence or even cause physical illness. Counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management, biofeedback and other therapies are used to help patients heal psychologically.
2012–2013 Catalog | Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
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