The Training, Qualification and Professional Status of a Naturopathic Doctor

 

An Indian medical doctor who was one of my colleagues many years ago, after reading my latest article on drugs and pharmacology, agreed that using drugs to treat chronic lifestyle diseases is off tangent and a failure. She too concurs that the use of chemical-based drugs called “medicines” to suppress the symptoms, effects and consequences of unhealthy lifestyles the easy and short-cut “solutions” would be the last she would apply. In fact, she was formerly one of my patients.

She knew when I was working at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), I was sent to London, Sydney and Melbourne to study naturopathic medicine as well to prepare me to sit in the Joint WHO-Ministry of Health-IMR Expert Technical Committee when WHO wanted to recognize other traditional, integrative and complementary systems of medicine to be integrated into the country’s mainstream healthcare system.

 Actually, on my return from London and Australia I did give a few lectures to doctors at IMR. That was a long time ago and I have put them aside on my retirement from medical research and as a consultant to a group of pharmaceutical companies.

 Anyway, this subject on using natural modalities of managing most diseases is brought up again. Let me very briefly summarize what naturopathic medicine is all about, the type of subjects studied and the duration of the course, and their professional recognition in healthcare.

Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of natural therapies. The education and training in naturopathic medicine are quite comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects over a period of several years. Here's an overview of what is typically taught, the duration of the course, and the professional and regulatory status of naturopathic medicine. The subjects taught in naturopathic medicine for a degree to obtain a ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine) are basic medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Pharmacology is included to understand the medical history of the patient’s previous medication the patients have been taking and their outcome even though in practice a naturopathic doctor does not prescribe all these drugs that may have worsened the outcome of the patients’ condition. Then the student starts his years in clinical sciences These are no different from conventional allopathic medicine that are the same, namely

Physical Examination

Laboratory Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

Radiology

However, in the treatment or management part, natural or naturopathic therapies are used. They include,

Botanical Medicine (Herbal Medicine)

Homeopathy

Clinical Nutrition

Lifestyle Counselling

Hydrotherapy

Physical Medicine (including naturopathic manipulative therapy)

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (sometimes)

Specialized Courses are

Environmental Medicine

Minor Surgery

Emergency Medicine

Obstetrics

Paediatrics

Geriatrics

Psychology and Mental Health

Naturopathic Clinical Training include:

Supervised Clinical Practice

Case Management

Patient Communication

The standard duration for a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND or NMD) program is typically four years of full-time study. This follows the completion of a bachelor's degree, often with prerequisites in science courses such as biology and chemistry. This is almost similar to those subjects studied for an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or an MBBS degree.  

In terms of professional recognition, regulation and professional status, naturopathic medicine is recognized as a profession in many countries and states, particularly in North America (United States and Canada), Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, in most of the Asian and SE Asian countries, and some European countries.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are considered primary care providers in regions where the profession is regulated, registrable and licensed.  

In the United States and Canada, the practice of naturopathic medicine is regulated in many states and provinces. This includes licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education requirements.

Regulatory bodies include the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) in the United States, and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) in Canada.

In regions where naturopathic medicine is regulated, practitioners are required to pass rigorous board exams and adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines.

The recognition of naturopathic medicine varies globally. In some countries, it is integrated into the healthcare system, while in others, it is considered a complementary or alternative medicine. Patients seeking naturopathic care should verify the qualifications of practitioners and ensure they are licensed or certified by recognized.

Naturopathic medicine encompasses a wide range of subjects aimed at promoting holistic health. The education required typically spans four years post-bachelor's degree, and the profession is recognized and regulated in many regions, ensuring that naturopathic doctors are well-trained and qualified to provide healthcare services.