How are Naturopathic Doctors (ND) trained?
Naturopathic Medical School is a 4-year post-graduate program that includes 3500 hours of instruction and 1400 hours of clinical training. Licensure in British Columbia requires graduation from an accredited Naturopathic Medical School as well as successful completion of examinations from the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) and the North American Board of Naturopathic Examinations (NABNE).
What do Naturopathic Doctors treat?
Please refer to this link for common conditions treated.
How are NDs different from MDs?
Much like your MD, Naturopathic Doctors are able to assess, diagnose and treat most medical conditions, as well as send requisitions out for conventional blood work and perform yearly physical exams. Some limitations exist in the case of referral to medical specialists and in ordering imaging, in which case your ND will simply refer you back to a MD with an explanation of your medical history so they will be able to obtain imaging and specialist referral.
I don't have any major health problems, what can an ND help me with?
How often do I need to see my ND?
In the initial visit, you and your ND will go over all your health history and concerns. This may include labs, imaging, and previous treatments tried. From here, you will be placed on a customized treatment plan to address your top health concerns. A follow up visit is done typically within the week to address any questions you may still have, and to check up on progression. The frequency of visits to an ND will vary among patients and the treatment plan prescribed.
What does prescribing authority mean?
In April 2009, Naturopathic Physicians in British Columbia were granted an expanded scope of practice, which includes the ability to prescribe certain pharmaceutical medications. A fully licensed ND must undergo additional training and successfully complete the written and oral examination process.
Naturopathic Medical School is a 4-year post-graduate program that includes 3500 hours of instruction and 1400 hours of clinical training. Licensure in British Columbia requires graduation from an accredited Naturopathic Medical School as well as successful completion of examinations from the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) and the North American Board of Naturopathic Examinations (NABNE).
What do Naturopathic Doctors treat?
Please refer to this link for common conditions treated.
How are NDs different from MDs?
Much like your MD, Naturopathic Doctors are able to assess, diagnose and treat most medical conditions, as well as send requisitions out for conventional blood work and perform yearly physical exams. Some limitations exist in the case of referral to medical specialists and in ordering imaging, in which case your ND will simply refer you back to a MD with an explanation of your medical history so they will be able to obtain imaging and specialist referral.
I don't have any major health problems, what can an ND help me with?
- I experience occasional health symptoms such as headaches, skin condition, digestive disturbance, abdominal discomfort, constipation, etc. that seem to be getting worse or is becoming more frequent.
- The conventional system is not able to offer alleviation from your symptoms.
- You have an acute cold/flu, but want to recover sooner without having to take drugs.
- You are currently on medication, but would like to sort out whether or not you can manage coming off medication.
- Your medication and dosage keep increasing, and would rather incorporate natural medicine and lifestyle changes to manage condition.
How often do I need to see my ND?
In the initial visit, you and your ND will go over all your health history and concerns. This may include labs, imaging, and previous treatments tried. From here, you will be placed on a customized treatment plan to address your top health concerns. A follow up visit is done typically within the week to address any questions you may still have, and to check up on progression. The frequency of visits to an ND will vary among patients and the treatment plan prescribed.
What does prescribing authority mean?
In April 2009, Naturopathic Physicians in British Columbia were granted an expanded scope of practice, which includes the ability to prescribe certain pharmaceutical medications. A fully licensed ND must undergo additional training and successfully complete the written and oral examination process.
