What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

We are aware that many people are not familiar with what we do as licensed naturopathic doctors in San Diego, the extent of our education and training, and our unique approach to wellness and health care. Yet, we still get the question, “is a naturopathic doctor a real doctor?”…. the answer is yes… yes, we are. Or “can a naturopathic doctor prescribe medicine?”… We receive as much training in pharmaceutical science as MDs & DOs and, depending on what state we are practicing in, yes, we can prescribe.  

As naturopathic doctors, or NDs (we are also known as Naturopathic Medical Doctors or NMDs, and in some states as Naturopathic Physicians), we attend accredited naturopathic medical schools and complete four years of in-residence, hands-on medical training that includes a minimum of 4100 hours of class time and clinical training. We are trained as primary care physicians, and our doctoral programs are structured much the same as those that conventional medical doctors (MDs) and osteopathic doctors (DOs) attend. The first two years focus on the biomedical sciences (anatomy, biochem, etc.) and the diagnostic sciences (pathology, physiological assessment, modern diagnostics, evidence-based medicine approaches, pharmacology, etc.). And, similar to MD and DO programs, ND programs then move into learning the application of this medical knowledge in the 3rd and 4th years and hands-on clinical training that provides direct experience in diagnosing and treating patients. 

Where does our naturopathic medical education differ from the conventional MD or DO programs? Well… beyond including the latest advances in science and medical research, our education also consists of the most current approaches to the natural management of wellness and primary prevention of disease. Additionally, our training teaches a distinct approach to patient care guided by naturopathic medicine principles, which sets us apart from our MD/DO counterparts. As naturopathic doctors we: 

• See the patient as a whole person, an interconnected body, mind, and spirit dynamic, and view health care from this approach. 
• Aim to determine and treat the underlying cause(s) of illness rather than only address only the symptoms. 
• Focus on primary prevention. By working to maintain wellness, we work to prevent a disease state from ever arising. 
• Provide the patient with tools and knowledge to empower them in their own healing. 
• Follow a specific therapeutic order, utilizing the most natural and least invasive therapies for healing first. 
• Envoke the body’s inherent wisdom to heal by restoring the determinants of health and guiding patients to wellness. 

Licensing and scope (the level to which we can see and treat patients) for naturopathic doctors are determined in each state. Here in California, we are licensed as primary care doctors and can order and interpret labs, order imaging, diagnose disease, and treat patients utilizing a broad range of conventional and natural therapies. We can also perform in-office procedures such as administering IV therapy in San Diego, IV nutrient therapy in San Diego, regenerative joint injections (aka prolotherapy), microneedling in San Diego, and other aesthetics. And, in partnership with an MD or DO, we can prescribe higher-level pharmaceuticals. Additionally, similar to MDs & DOs, we must complete ongoing continuing medical education and maintain licensing and good standing with our state licensing organization, the Naturopathic Medical Committee, a California Department of Consumer Affairs division. 

As doctors, we see and treat patients with almost any disease or condition. We see patients with degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. We can also specialize in specific treatment modalities such as menopause and perimenopause, performance medicine, pain management therapies, and physical manipulation. Some NDs will have a particular area of focus and narrow patient population, while some NDs practice in primary care and family medicine.  

The bottom line is that naturopathic medicine in San Diego is a distinct system of medicine that skillfully combines natural therapeutic traditions with modern science to restore and optimize health. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Naturopathic doctor, please call NaturopathicRX at (858) 914-3444.