Naturo-what? That's ok, most people I talk to are a little fuzzy on the titles. So was I! A naturopathic doctor is a licensed primary care physician trained to be an expert in natural therapies. They focus on trying to find and treat the cause of any illness, with methods that are individualized for the patient.
In Arizona, you may see ND or NMD after their name, standing for Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Medical Doctor. This curriculum is so exciting! We are learning how to help the body heal using methods such as hydrotherapy, nutrition, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, mind-body medicine, environmental medicine, and physical medicine (spinal adjustments). This is in addition to the biochemistry, anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, histology, pathology, and clinic diagnosis classes that are a common denominator among medical schools. Whew!!
Here are some links if you want to know more about naturopathic medicine:
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
Find a ND in your area
Naturopathic Doctors Without Borders (global health aid)
Other naturopathic medical schools:
National College
Bastyr
