Naturopathic Doctors, or NDs, do not seek to replace the role of the Primary Care Physician. In fact, they choose to work alongside, in conjunction with, independent of as primary HEALTH providers. Naturopathic Doctors are Integrative Medical Providers. It is observed and understood that allopaths serve a role in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disease yet have little if any education or training in the treatment of health. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in health. That is their role to maintain and educate the person on health. Naturopathic Medical Doctors, or NMDs, seek to replace the role of the primary care physician and believe they are qualified to diagnose, manage, and treat both diseases as well as maintain the health of the person. Naturopathic Doctors believe in working integratively with the allopaths when there is a disease present. They do not believe they are adequately trained to manage or diagnose disease, as we lack sufficient pathology as well as clinical residency.

There are three distinct professions:

Naturopathic Doctors are NDs. These are Doctors that are trained based on Dr Lusts standardization of Naturopathy. They complete a 4 year doctoral program, and take a Board Exam. The Diploma of these students read, Naturopathic Doctor (see attached).

Naturopathic Medical Doctors are NMDs. These are Naturopathic Medical Doctors who also receive some allopathic training in their education. Their diplomas clearly state Naturopathic Medical Doctor (see attached). They are not NDs or Naturopathic Doctors.

Traditional Naturopaths are TNs. These are Naturopaths who have completed a certificate program in the basic principles of Naturopathy. They do not qualify to take a Board Examination and are not considered to be Doctors.

Doctor of Natural Medicine which is also indicated in this bill, refers to the use of alternative medicine modalities in practice less the emphasis on the biosciences. Natural Medicine is the use of naturally occurring remedies ie herbs, homeopaths, meditation, etc for treatment but does not go in depth into the laboratory component of the practice. They are less inclined to run labs, work with allopaths, and monitor treatment. They tend to be stand alone providers. These providers are considered DNM or Doctor of Natural Medicine designations. They typically complete a 3 year didactic training program with or without clinical requirements.