What is a Naturopathic Physician (ND)?

A Naturopathic Physician (ND) is a primary care general practitioner trained as an expert in natural medicine. She concentrates on whole-patient, whole-person wellness; seeks to treat the cause of an ailment and not just its symptoms; and tailors treatments and medicine to the patient, while emphasizing prevention and self-care. An ND cooperates with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate. NDs perform physical examinations, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, X-ray examinations, and other diagnostic tests. They are the only primary care physicians clinically trained in the use of a wide variety of natural therapeutics. They combine and adapt these treatments to the needs of the individual based on a philosophy that acknowledges the patient as a participant in treatment and care.  more