Licensed Naturopathic Doctors obtain a minimum of three years pre-medical studies at University and then enter an accredited Naturopathic Medical College for four years of study. An ND’s training involves studying the basic medical sciences and the various Naturopathic Medicine treatment modalities with at least 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Upon graduation, ND’s must pass rigorous written and practical examinations to obtain their license.

Naturopaths provide all phases of primary health care. Clinical assessment generally follows the conventional medical model. The first visit intake will involve a detailed history intake and subsequent visits may require a physical examination and laboratory evaluation. Naturopaths also rely on other techniques for assessment, following guidelines proposed by Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical nutrition therapy.

Once a diagnosis is made and there is a good understanding of the patient’s overall health status, the ND and patient will discuss the best treatment options. Part of the therapeutic process involves empowering and teaching the patient that they have the responsibility to take care of their own health. In this way, the ND acts as a guide to assist patients reach their optimal health.

First visits involve a detailed patient history intake and are 1 hour in length.

Subsequent visits range from 30 minutes to 1 hour in length and involve a physical examination, patient education, and implementation of appropriate therapies.

The safety record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. ND’s use gentle, non-invasive techniques as part of their therapy which follows the first principle of Naturopathic Medicine – to do no harm. There is an emphasis on non-toxic and natural substances. In addition, ND’s are knowledgeable about the pharmacological reactions between conventional drugs and traditional naturopathic remedies.