Written by Dr. Sean Heerey.*  This is the third article of a six-article series on the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety of naturopathic medicine when it comes to health promotion and disease prevention based on research from across the country.  To read the first two articles of The Value of Naturopathic Medicine in New York, please click here:  The Problem:  Chronic Disease and Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Prevention

Naturopathic medicine is a medical system defined by its philosophy of treating the “cause of disease” and not just alleviating symptoms. It includes health promotion, disease prevention and health care education for patient empowerment. Some of the tools Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) utilize include lab testing (especially looking for unhealthy trends to intervene early), dietary modifications, nutrients, herbal therapies, supplements and lifestyle changes to support patients with health.

U.S. Senate Resolution 221 of the 113th Congress states that “naturopathic doctors are skilled in preventing and treating chronic disease; that naturopathic medicine is a safe, effective, and affordable means of health care; and that licensure of naturopathic doctors helps address the shortage of primary care physicians in the United States, while also providing people with more choice in health care.”

Part III

TRAINING

Naturopathic Doctors are Highly Trained World-Class Wellness Experts

CURRICULUM
Comparison of academic curriculum hours for US Naturopathic (ND), Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic Schools

Profession	Naturopathic	Allopathic	Osteopathic
Anatomy	350	380	362
Physiology	250	125	126
Biochemistry	125	109	103
Pharmacology	100	114	108
Pathology	125	166	152
Microbio/Immun.	175	185	125
Total	1125	1079	976

 

 

 

Source:  Jensen CB. Common paths in medical education: the training of allopaths, osteopaths and naturopaths. Alternative Complement Therapies. 1997;3:276-80

There are 6 Naturopathic Medical Schools in the United States located in: Portland OR, Scottsdale AZ, San Diego CA, Seattle WA, Bridgeport CT and Lombard IL. Programs include:

• Minimum pre-requisites are 3 years of pre-medical sciences at a university including: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory psychology and humanities.
• Classroom Training: 4-year-full time program in an accredited school of Naturopathic Medicine that includes more than 4,500 hours of in-class training
• Clinical Experience – All students must complete 1,500 hours of clinical requirements and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.

ACCREDITATION

Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) [www.cnme.org] is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the profession’s programmatic accrediting agency.

NATIONAL BOARD EXAMS

Graduates from CNME accredited programs are qualified to sit for professional proficiency exams administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners (NABNE) [www.nabne.org] and written by the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX). Other tests may be required by state regulatory agencies. Details about these exams can be found at: https://www.nabne.org/home/exam-overview/

Next week:  Part IV–Cost Effectiveness

*Thank you also to contributing authors Dr. Maura Henninger and Dr. Rick Brinkman