Adapted from  www.aanmc.org

Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.

Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness; the medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

Naturopathic Physicians Are Primary Care Providers

Doctors of naturopathic medicine (NDs) are trained as primary care providers and, as such, their scope of practice may include...

Nutrition
Botanical medicine
Physical medicine
Homeopathy
Physical and clinical diagnosis
Laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging
Emergency medicine
Psychology
Pharmacology
Minor surgery
Acupuncture and Traditional Asian medicine

Naturopathic physicians learn to treat all aspects of family health and wellness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. They tailor their therapies to meet the individual needs of each patient, factoring in physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects before prescribing a course of treatment. Because they view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary, naturopathic physicians cooperate with other medical professionals, referring patients to allopathic medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists whenever appropriate.

Naturopathic Physicians Are Rigorously Trained

Licensed naturopathic physicians have attended four-year professional-level programs at accredited institutions, where they have been educated in the same basic sciences as allopathic physicians.   The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits Naturopathic medical education institutions and these schools are then eligible for membership in the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).

During their first two years of study, the curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences, covering...

Biochemistry
Human Physiology
Histology
Anatomy
Macro- and Microbiology
Immunology
Human Pathology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology

For at least the final two years of their medical program, students intern in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed professionals.

Students of naturopathic medicine use the Western medical sciences as a foundation on which to build a thorough knowledge of holistic, non-toxic therapies and develop skills in diagnosis, disease prevention and wellness optimization.

Graduates from naturopathic medical schools must pass the comprehensive naturopathic physicians licensing examinations (NPLEX) to be licensed as primary care physicians. Candidates for full licensure must also satisfy all licensing requirements for the individual state or province in which they plan to practice.

Before booking an appointment with a “Doctor of Natural Medicine” ensure they have attended a fully CNME accredited full time Naturopathic Educational program and have written and passed the NPLEX licensing examinations and are licensed within the province of Saskatchewan with the SANP.

Naturopathic care that is provided by a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and, in the province of Saskatchewan is registered with the SANP is covered under most extended health insurance plans.  Check with your provider today!