If you fall ill and go to see a naturopathic physician, you'll find that the examination isn't much different than you would have with a traditional physician, except that the naturopath may spend more time talking to you about your medical history and state of overall well-being. Naturopathic doctors receive extensive education -- similar to medical doctors -- and can write prescriptions for conventional drugs, but tend to focus on natural healing methods.
Naturopathic medicine combines traditional medical practices with alternative disciplines, such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and herbal and homeopathic medicine. It also incorporates psychology, spirituality, nutrition, massage, and Eastern medicine. Naturopathic physicians believe that the whole person must be treated rather than focusing solely on a specific illness or health issue. They're trained to use traditional diagnostic methods and a combination of healing methods tailored to each patient. Because they are primary care physicians who also incorporate traditional Western medical practices, they refer patients to surgeons and other health care professionals as needed.
There are only five naturopathic medical colleges located in the U.S. that are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved agency. You typically need a bachelor of science degree to apply to a naturopathic medical college, with strong coursework in the sciences, such as biology and chemistry. Classes in anatomy, botany, psychology and mathematics also look good to admissions committees. Aspiring naturopathic physicians spend four years in medical school, with the last two years focusing on clinical work. A residency after college isn't required, but many health care providers offer them. Some states require an examination and licensure to practice, while others have restrictions on the scope of practice.
The primary duty of a naturopathic physician is to devise whole health care management systems for patients, even when they make an appointment for a specific issue. A first visit can take up to two hours and includes considerable time taking a complete medical history and discussing health issues. A conventional medical examination is performed, and diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as x-rays or mammograms. Treatment plans are devised that can include an array of alternative therapies and may make use of conventional medicine. Patients are also advised on disease prevention, nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Pay and Outlook
The median wage for naturopathic physicians in 2001 was $70,690, according to O-Net OnLine, which also predicts an average growth rate in employment between 10 and 19 percent through 2020. The website ExploreHealthCareers.org notes that the average salary for naturopathic doctors is $80,000. There were 56,000 naturopathic physicians employed in 2010 and an estimated 21,200 jobs will open up through 2020.
- O-Net OnLine: Naturopathic Physicians
- Bastyr University: What is Naturopathic Medicine:
- Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: The 7 Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
- Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: Naturopathic Doctor Licensure
- Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: What Kind of Doctor Do You Want to Be?
- ExploreHealthCareers.org: Naturopathic Doctor
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