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Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine was not introduced to the United States until the late nineteenth century, but its practices have been in place since ancient times. In many indigenous cultures around the world, the earliest healers used food, herbs and water to treat illnesses. Naturopathic physicians still use them today.
Modern licensed naturopathic doctors, given the title ND, are trained as primary care physicians and experts in holistic and integrative medicine. Patients consult with NDs for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. Naturopathic doctors attempt to find the underlying cause of each patient's condition and promote wellness in body and mind, rather than focus solely on symptomatic treatment.
Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all branches of medicine, referring patients to other practitioners when appropriate. If illnesses require pharmacological and/or surgical intervention, naturopathic medicine can complement care, reduce adverse effects and speed recovery time.
Education
In the United States, naturopathic doctors attend a four-year naturopathic medical school with admission requirements and coursework comparable to those of conventional medical schools. NDs are educated in the same basic and clinical sciences common to all medical education, from biochemistry and physiology to cardiology and oncology. They also study natural therapies, including botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy (the therapeutic use of hot and cold water), psychology, counseling, stress management, exercise therapy and manipulation of muscles and bones. Some students pursue additional studies and upon licensure practice Chinese medicine, acupuncture and/or natural childbirth.
There are currently four accredited naturopathic medical schools in the United States: the National College of Natural Medicine in Oregon, Bastyr University in Washington, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona and the University of Bridgeport College of Natural Medicine in Connecticut. Additionally, the National University of Health Sciences in Illinois was granted candidacy status in 2008 by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, the only accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit naturopathic programs and colleges.
Licensure
The practice of naturopathic medicine in the United States varies by location because not all states license naturopathic physicians. Licensing laws for NDs currently exist in fifteen states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington – as well as the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In these locations, naturopathic doctors must graduate from an accredited four-year naturopathic medical school and pass 5 days of extensive post-doctoral board exams. They are also subject to review by a State Board of Examiners.
In some states that license naturopathic doctors, their services are covered by insurance and they practice as primary care physicians under their full scope of training. They perform physical exams, diagnostic procedures and minor surgery. They order lab tests, write prescriptions when necessary and administer IV therapy. In other states that license naturopathic doctors, their scope of practice is smaller.
In states that do not license naturopathic doctors, like New York, there are no educational requirements or standards. Some individuals who use the title “ND” or “naturopath” may not have attended an accredited naturopathic medical school nor passed national board exams. They would not qualify for licensure.
Because the state of New York does not license naturopathic doctors, Dr. Cimperman is licensed as a Naturopathic Physician in the state of Connecticut.
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