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About Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a
unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Focusing on prevention, and
using natural substances and treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body's
ability to heal itself. The primary goal of a naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness,
rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the ND takes the
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing
a unique treatment plan for each patient.
Naturopathic Education/Training Requirements Naturopathic Doctors take a
minimum of three years of full time undergraduate study, followed by four years at a recognized
college of naturopathic medicine. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles
and therapeutics, and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. After graduation, NDs must
pass a series of provincial exams set by a government appointed board, which tests both knowledge of medical
sciences as well as clinical skills. This leads to a license as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
Government Regulation
Currently, Naturopathic Doctors are regulated at the
provincial level. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario are independently
regulated provinces. Nova Scotia and Alberta are awaiting regulation. Each of these provinces has an association
and a regulatory body, which defines the scope of practice for that province. Naturopathic Medicine
is not yet regulated in New Brunswick, but the members of the New Brunswick Association of Naturopathic
Doctors are working hard towards achieving that goal.
Most Naturopathic Doctors who
practice in an unregulated province are registered with a regulatory board in a province that already
has legislation in place. For example, Judah and Parissa are registered with the Board of Directors
of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy in Ontario, where the practice of Naturopathic Medicine is regulated.
This provides assurance to the public that these doctors have, in fact, received the necessary education and
passed the stringent board exams required of Naturopathic Doctors in regulated provinces.
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