Naturopathic Medical Doctor? Naturopathic Doctor?

Every year the same House Bill is introduced into the State of Colorado—one that endangers the future of naturopathy. The bill seeks to regulate the field by licensing Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMD) who obtained their degrees from a handful of colleges.

The problem is that the degree of NMD goes against the very core of naturopathic philosophy. Graduates of Naturopathic Medical Doctor programs incorporate the use of prescription drugs, invasive procedures, surgeries, and other philosophies found in traditional medical schools. These same doctors would become primary care physicians (PCPs) but would be lacking the medical background traditionally found in medical schools. The frightening thing is that these NMDs would receive a valid state license to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Naturopathic Doctor (ND). An ND is a traditional natural healer whose focus is on education: helping their clients to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, finding the underlying causes of disease rather than merely treating the signs and symptoms of them. Naturopathic Doctors rely on non-invasive procedures and herbal/homeopathic remedies. Their focus is on prevention and cures.

The big problem is that both practitioners are referred to as doctors. But remember: the title of doctor does not always mean medical doctor. (There are post-graduate degrees that give the title of doctor in a variety of fields such as counseling, education, philosophy, and anthropology.)

In any field, you are going to find good practitioners and some very bad practitioners. It is important for you to decide what type of partnership you desire for your health care needs. There should be a marriage between the two types of naturopathic doctors, a complement where the two disciplines work together to provide overall improved health.

No matter what option you choose, always check the practitioner’s credentials. The field is not highly regulated, so there are many who will hang a shingle to practice and go way beyond their scope and skill. Don’t fall victim to these charlatans.

A little knowledge goes a long way to those of us who take the time to become naturally savvy!

In health and wellness,
By Dr. Linda Mundorff