Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process.

principles of naturopathic medicine:

1. Primum non nocere: First, do no harm

2. Vis medicatrix naturae: Cooperate with the healing power of nature

3. Tolle causam: Identify and treat the cause

4. Docere: Doctor as teacher

5. Tolle totum: Treat the whole person

6. Praevenire: Focus on prevention

Naturopathic Medical Education

Naturopathic medical school covers similar material to conventional medical school during the first to years of training — my education covered the essential basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.), followed by a basic science board exam. In the latter three years of medical school, I learned to blend natural and conventional treatment modalities, with the intention of using the least invasive and most effective means possible to stimulate healing. I also have an in-depth understanding of laboratory assessment, and can use test results to provide individualized health recommendations.

naturopathic licensure:

Naturopathic Doctors in Oregon and Washington are recognized as primary care physicians, however the scope for naturopathic doctors varies greatly among states and provinces. For more information about naturopathic medicine, you can visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. 

Map from Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, as of June 2022.