Naturopathic medicine is a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that focuses on natural therapies and treating the whole person. Many professionals use the title “naturopath,” but not all have formal medical training or a medical license. Understanding the difference between these titles is important when choosing the right healthcare provider. 

Table of Contents

• What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?
• Naturopathic Physician or Doctor: What Is the Difference?
• Do Naturopathic Doctors Go to Medical School?
• Is an ND Similar to an MD?
• Can a Naturopathic Doctor Prescribe Medication?
• What’s the Difference Between a Naturopath and a Naturopathic Doctor?
• We put together a few of the top frequently asked questions

 

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are licensed healthcare providers who diagnose, treat, and help prevent illness using natural medicine. They approach healthcare by combining traditional healing knowledge with modern science and natural therapies.

 

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to support the body’s natural ability to heal and address the underlying causes of disease, rather than only managing symptoms. 

 

Naturopathic doctors often use non-drug and non-surgical methods to help restore the body’s natural functions. Their goal is not only the absence of disease, but also the presence of physical, mental, emotional, and overall well-being.

 

Naturopathic Physician or Doctor: What Is the Difference?

A naturopathic physician and a medical doctor may have some similarities in training, but they follow different healthcare models.

 

Do Naturopathic Doctors Go to Medical School?

Yes. A naturopathic physician is a doctor who has completed a naturopathic medical program. After earning an undergraduate degree, they complete a four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical program that combines medical sciences with the study of natural therapies.

 

The naturopathic medicine model includes education in physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, assessments, diagnostics, and treatment planning. Their treatment methods focus on addressing an underlying root cause or dysfunction in the mind and body and restoring the body’s natural state.

 

Naturopathic doctors study and use core treatment methods like:

 

• Clinical Nutrition
• Botanical medicine
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Acupuncture
• Hydrotherapy
• Homeopathy
• Lifestyle medicine
• Counseling
  
  

Medical doctors (MDs) also attend a four-year graduate medical school program and complete residency training, but their healthcare approach is different. Their education focuses on clinical sciences, disease mechanisms, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of symptoms or progressing disease. Their therapies may include medication, surgery, or other conventional treatments.

 

Both professions participate in clinical rotations and provide supervised care as medical students. However, medical doctors complete mandatory postgraduate residency programs, while clinical residencies for naturopathic doctors are more limited and may be optional depending on the path and jurisdiction.

 

Like medical doctors, licensed naturopathic doctors must pass a national licensing exam called the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination, or NPLEX. Depending on the state or jurisdiction, naturopathic doctors may also need to pass a jurisprudence exam and complete continuing education requirements.

 

 

Is an ND Similar to an MD?

Both doctors can diagnose, treat, and prevent disease, but they go about healing in different ways. For example, say that a patient has osteoarthritis. Where a medical doctor might prescribe pain medication, injections, or joint replacement surgery as treatment, a naturopathic doctor might use diet and herbs to lower inflammation. They might also use acupuncture to stimulate tissue repair and relieve pain. 

 

In both professions, doctors must work within their scope of practice, training, and license. If a patient needs care beyond their scope, they are expected to refer the patient to the appropriate healthcare provider. While their approaches may differ, both types of providers can work alongside each other with the shared goal of helping patients feel better.

Curious what the difference is between MD vs DO vs Naturopathic Physican? Check out our article here.

Can a Naturopathic Doctor Prescribe Medication?

In some states and jurisdictions, naturopathic doctors are licensed to prescribe certain medications. However, because their care model focuses on addressing root causes and using the most natural and least invasive therapies first, they may not prescribe medication at the first sign of symptoms.

 

What’s the Difference Between a Naturopath and a Naturopathic Doctor?

Some healthcare practitioners use the terms “naturopath” or “naturopathic,” but they are not necessarily licensed naturopathic doctors. These non-physician roles may include holistic health practitioners, naturopathic practitioners, or traditional naturopaths.

 

These careers may share a similar philosophy with naturopathic doctors, such as treating the whole person and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. However, a traditional naturopath does not attend an accredited naturopathic medical school and does not earn a medical degree that leads to recognized licensure.

 

While naturopathic practitioners might coach people on healthy living, they may not have the advanced medical training, legal privileges, or licensing required to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

 

Bottom Line

A naturopathic doctor is a licensed practitioner with advanced medical training. While they use a different healthcare model than a conventional doctor, they can help patients manage acute and chronic diseases. Finding the right provider, though, is important. Using online resources like Sofia Health can help ensure you get the right care from the right provider with the credentials, certifications, and philosophies you need.  

Check out this article for the Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Physician

We put together a few of the top frequently asked questions.

 

What is an ND or NMD?

A naturopathic doctor (ND) and a naturopathic medical doctor (NMD) generally refer to the same type of provider. Both are licensed doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease using naturopathic medicine.

 

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is another name for naturopathic medicine. It is a medical system that focuses on self-healing, prevention, and natural therapies such as herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle support.

 

What is a Holistic Doctor?

A holistic doctor is a healthcare practitioner who considers all aspects of a person’s health, including physical symptoms, emotional well-being, lifestyle, and social factors. A medical doctor with a conventional medical degree can also be considered a holistic doctor if they use a mind-body-spirit approach.

 

What is a Traditional Naturopath?

A traditional naturopath is a non-physician healthcare practitioner who uses natural remedies to support overall wellness. Traditional naturopaths do not have a medical license and cannot diagnose or treat patients. 

 

What is a Holistic Health Practitioner?

A holistic health practitioner uses a whole-body approach to promote health and well-being. Many standard health professionals, like a surgeon or a nurse, can qualify as holistic health practitioners if they use a whole-body approach.

 

Is a Naturopathic Doctor a Real Doctor?

Yes. Naturopathic doctors are medically trained and licensed and can diagnose and treat patients. They simply use a different healthcare model.

 

How to Find a Good Naturopathic Doctor? 

Because healthcare titles can be confusing, it’s important to verify a practitioner’s education, licensing, and credentials. Resources like Sofia Health provide transparency and convenient online booking, allowing you to review a naturopathic doctor’s education, certifications, licenses, and care philosophy before booking a virtual appointment.

 

Find a naturopathic doctor on Sofia Health.