What is a naturopathic doctor? Are they licensed and do they go to medical school?
Naturopathic physicians (N.D.’s) are trained to serve as primary care practitioners and are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions. Naturopathic physicians concentrate on whole-patient wellness, while the medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Naturopathic physicians attempt to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. As an example a naturopathic physician will work to understand the cause of a patient’s migraine headache rather than simply prescribing a pain reducing pharmaceutical which, by definition, can only provide temporary relief since it does not treat the cause. Licensed naturopathic physicians graduate from an accredited four-year, graduate level naturopathic medical college. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (N.D.) is awarded after completing a standard medical curriculum as well as extensive co
