Not so long ago in Alberta, our profession was not legislated which meant we also did not have title protection and anybody at the time could call themselves a naturopath or naturopathic doctor. In the public’s eye, this caused a lot of confusion of what exactly qualified as a naturopathic doctor in this province. Thankfully, our college now actively searches and issues cease and decease notices to those who are not qualified, greatly improving the public’s confidence when they find a Naturopathic Doctor.
When I first came to the province in 2009, prior to legislation, I heard numerous stories from my patients that they saw a “naturopath” or “naturopathic doctor”, when inquired further, because I did not recognize their name from my association, I quickly realized that they had seen an unqualified practitioner.
Training of a Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic medical colleges requires a minimum 3 year university undergrad degree before starting. These undergrad degrees must be in medical sciences and if not, any deficiencies must be made up (necessary classes) prior to starting. Once starting at a naturopathic medical college, the training and requirements are:
• 4 year full time medical program at an accredited college (only 2 in Canada)
• 4500 hours in class training and 1500 hours supervised clinical training
• 2 set of North American board exams: 1 set at end of 2nd year and a 2nd set at the end of 4th year.
• North American Board exam consists of 4 full days of written examinations
• Provincial board exams: 1 full day of written and clinical practical exams
• Ongoing continuing medical education (CME) credits
• Special training in any restrictive activities
Naturopathic Doctor’s Principles
The following principles are not only the guiding principles but are the oath that each naturopath takes at their graduation:
1) Do No Harm, (Primum Non Nocere)
– Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful sided effects
– Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness
– Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms
2) The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic doctors work to restore and support the powerful and inherent healing ability of the body, mind and spirit in order to prevent further disease from occurring. They identify and remove obstacles to recovery, facilitating and augmenting this ordered and intelligent healing ability.
3) Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)
The primary goal of a naturopathic doctor is to determine and treat the underlying cause rather than simply managing or suppressing their symptoms. The underlying cause may be due to diet, lifestyle habits, life events, posture or environment. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal.
4) Treat the Whole Person
Each person is unique and requires individualize care. In treating the cause of any condition a naturopathic doctor takes into account not only your physical symptoms, but also mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and other factors. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or system. Your nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, feelings, environmental stresses, and physical health are all carefully evaluated and addressed.
5) Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic doctors will assist you in understanding health and illness. He/she will provide with an understanding of the factors that affect your health and help you balance and become more capable of maintaining your own health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Naturopathic doctors apply the principles in a proactive form of disease prevention and health promotion. Naturopathic doctors emphasize healthy daily habits, they assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and make appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Health is more than just the absence of disease.
Health entails daily functioning on the highest possible levels, and is obtained by proper nutrition, exercise, a balanced lifestyle, positive emotions, thoughts and actions. The capacity for optimal wellness or an improved quality of life is inherent in every body.
If you are looking for a registered naturopathic doctor because you are ready to take control of your health today, look no further than healthflow! All of naturopathic doctors are fully licensed.
If we are not conveniently located you can follow the links provided in the references, they are portals to our provincial and national associations that can provide you a full list of accredited naturopathic doctors.
Dr. Derek Cook, ND
Reference:
1) https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/alberta-gives-naturopaths-full-status-as-medical-professionals/article4441076/
2) http://www.cand.ca/ Canadian Association of National Doctors
3) http://www.cnda.net/ College Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
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