Addressing the Difference Between a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)

In addressing the difference between a medical doctor and a naturopathic doctor, I’d first like to point out the similarities.

Both ND’s and MD’s must go through pre-medicine requirements in undergraduate college and be accepted into accredited medical schools which last four years. During the first two years of medical school for both types of doctors, we are trained in the basic medical sciences – anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, histology (the study of cells), cardiology, neurology, and biochemistry. A laborious task.

Educational Differences Between a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)

The vast divergence in training is evident in years three, four and beyond in advanced study. Whereas an MD will study the pharmacological effects of chemical medicines on symptoms and disease; the ND begins an exploration into how nature, food, herbs, homeopathic medicine, psychological interventions, mind-body connection, self-love, physical modalities like massage, spinal alignment, joint mobilization, acupuncture and myofascial release techniques impact the entirely of the cells, glands, organs and function of the human body.

In naturopathic philosophy we seek to:

1) Do no harm.
2) Treat the whole person, not just symptoms.
3) Look to nature to find the cure.
4) Find the cause of the dis-ease.
5) Impart wisdom of the body’s inherent ability to heal given the correct environment tools, and support.

Both MD’s and ND’s are required to take state and/or National Board exams and do annual continuing education of up to 60 hours. As a patient, you are able to have both an MD and an ND on your team of health care professionals and I will work with your MD when necessary to give you the comfort of knowing that you are doing everything you can to get the best health care that you deserve.