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. Both types of training include Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory, Physical and Clinical Diagnosis, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Cardiology, Pharmacology, etc. It is in the last couple years of 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 and Lifestyle Counseling, and Allergy elimination.
Both a Medical doctor and a Naturopathic doctor are required to pass nationally recognized Basic Sciences Board Exams and Clinical Sciences Board Exams. Both are then required to pass a Jurisprudence and Legend Substances Exam in order to gain state licensure. Both a Medical doctor and a Naturopathic doctor are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. The major difference is that Medical doctors are trained to treat symptoms while Naturopathic doctors are trained to investigate the underlying causes of illness.
|
