Since Naturopathic Medicine is new to many people, let me explain what it is about. Naturopathic Doctors – (ND’s or NMD’s) – are trained as primary care physicians and receive a doctorate degree at a 4-year accredited Naturopathic Medical College. The first year of our medical school is similar to the first year of allopathic or osteopathic medical school – where many of the sciences are taught. However, after that, the training diversifies. In addition to basic sciences, naturopathic students also receive many hours of instruction in nutrition, homeopathy, botanical (herbs) medicine, physical medicine, Oriental Medicine (including acupuncture) and Mind-body medicine.

Because of our training, I have many healing modalities to offer my patients. Certainly I prefer to team up with the patient, training and teaching in making healthy life-style choices, using diet and botanicals to promote optimal wellness, however if a medication is indicated, I am able to prescribe much the same as an MD or DO. This kind of a multi-faceted approach not only results in the alleviation of symptoms, but more importantly in the correction of the underlying cause of the problem. Alleviation of symptoms alone is only a temporary fix, not a cure for the problem.

As a Naturopathic Physician, I do believe that health begins in the digestive tract. Even the best organic foods cannot help us if we are unable to absorb the nutrients. To explore these individualistic needs, I utilize an extensive patient interview, physical exam, health inventories and laboratory studies. One size does not fit all when it comes to nutrition and health care and individualization is the key to success.