What is a Naturopathic Physician?

• A Naturopathic Physician is someone who has attended medical school, passed board exams and been licensed by their state to practice Primary Care Medicine. We are able to write prescriptions and do basic medical procedures as needed, but our training is specialized in natural therapies.
• You must have a Bachelor’s degree to apply to Naturopathic Medical School, and complete the same pre-requisite classes that are required to apply to conventional medical school.
• We undergo 4 years of rigorous medical school, including Basic and Clinical Sciences. Our classroom time includes training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology etc. just as the training in conventional medical school does.
• We also have additional training in naturopathic therapies, such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, acupuncture, manipulation, and detoxification.
• We spend at least 2 years receiving clinical training, seeing and treating patients under the supervision of other physicians.
• I have completed an additional Residency program in Family Practice. At this time Residencies for naturopaths are optional, and are very competitive to obtain.
• We must take and pass Board Examinations in order to be licensed, and once licensed, we must complete 30 hours of continuing medical education each year.