What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?

Both are Doctors trained to diagnose the same conditions. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) complete 3 or 4 years of pre-med training (usually achieving a bachelor's degree) and then have 4 years of training at an accredited naturopathic medical college. NDs must successfully complete North American and provincial board exams prior to being granted licensure. NDs in Alberta and Yukon are in the processed of becoming licensed. Medical Doctors use pharmaceuticals and surgery to treat patients and relieve symptoms, while NDs use a multi-faceted non-drug, non-surgery approach to your health care. Using the most advanced technology available for diagnosis and treatments, NDs look at the patient's health history and lifestyle and treat the individual using methods such as supplements, nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture and other non-drug alternatives. NDs work with you to make healthy lifestyle changes in order to prevent chronic disease. ... more

Both are doctors. Naturopathic doctors complete 3 or 4 years of pre-med training (usually achieving a bachelor's degree) and then have 4 years of training at an accredited naturopathic medical college. NDs must successfully complete provincial board exams prior to being granted licensure. NDs in BC are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians. Medical doctors use drugs and surgery to treat patients; naturopathic doctors use a multi-faceted non-drug, non-surgery approach to your health care. Using the most advanced technology available for diagnosis and treatments, naturopaths look at the patient's health history and lifestyle and treat the individual using methods such as supplements, nutrition, acupuncture and other non-drug alternatives. Medical doctors are reactive and treat the symptoms of the disease, which is already in place. The naturopathic doctor's approach is pro-active and works with you to make changes to your health and lifestyle to ensure you are ... more

Both are educated in the basic medical sciences, diagnosis and laboratory analysis. A Medical doctor often treats a patient’s symptoms using primarily pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. A Naturopathic doctor treats the whole person to heal the cause of the symptoms, using a variety of natural therapies and nutrition. ... more

A Medical Doctor typically attends a 4-year nationally accredited medical school followed by a 2-year residency program. A Naturopathic Doctor typically attends a 4-5 year nationally accredited naturopathic medical school which includes 2-3 years of clinical experience. This training includes Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory, Physical/Clinical Diagnosis, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Cardiology, Pharmacology, etc. It is in the last 2 years of our training that the fields begin to diversify. Naturopathic Doctors are rigorously trained in alternative modalities such as Homeopathy, Botanical Medicine, Naturopathic Manipulation, Hydrotherapy, Physical Medicine, Diet/Lifestyle Counseling, and Allergy elimination. Both Medical Doctors and Naturopathic Doctors are required to pass nationally recognized Basic Science Board Exams and Clinical Sciences Board Exams. Both are then required to pass Jurisprudence and Legend Substances Exams in order to g ... more