Naturopathic Medicine

How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?

The primary differences between naturopathic and conventional medicine are the philosophical approach and the therapies used. Naturopathic physicians (NDs) treat patients as individuals by addressing the environmental, lifestyle, attitudinal, and emotional aspects of health. This allows naturopathic physicians to find and treat the cause of the disease using natural, non-invasive therapies. In contrast, conventional physicians generally address and treat the symptoms of disease, rather than the source of the illness, and use pharmaceutical therapies or surgery.

How are naturopathic and conventional physicians alike?

Naturopathic and allopathic (conventional) physicians are both required to study the biomedical sciences at a four-year accredited graduate medical school. Included in this rigorous curriculum are biomedical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, neurology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, cardiology, minor surgery, and others. Both kinds of physicians can diagnose a disease, predict its course, and prescribe treatment.

How are naturopathic physicians educated?

After completing a standard premedical undergraduate curriculum, aspiring naturopathic physicians enter into a four-year medical program. The first two years of naturopathic medical school consist of education in the basic biomedical sciences similar to that of conventional medical school. The second two years emphasize clinical education in natural therapeutics. Upon successful completion of the four-year program, graduates receive the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

How are ND’s regulated?

In states that license naturopathic physicians, including Arizona, the profession is regulated. In these states, naturopathic physicians must pass either national or state board examinations and must have received an education from an accredited four-year, graduate level, naturopathic medical school. Their actions are subject to review by a state board of examiners to ensure protection of the patients.

Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center is governed by the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Board of Medical Examiners www.npbomex.az.gov. The primary duty of the Board is to protect the public through the regulation of the practice of naturopathic medicine. The Board Accomplishes Its Mission by administering and enforcing laws and rules relating to naturopathic physicians, receiving and responding to complaints, certifying physicians as specialists, certifying physicians who dispense, approves and certifies medical assistants, approves educational and training programs for physicians and interns.