Naturopathic medicine is a distinct profession, separate from conventional medical doctors, chiropractors, or osteopaths. Naturopathic Physicians have their own nationally accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools, approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education; they undergo intensive classroom and clinical training that is comparable, for general and family practice, to that received by M.D.s; its own national naturopathic physicians licensing exam, again comparable to that taken by M.D.s; their own national association, The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians that promotes understanding and advancement of naturopathic medicine; and most importantly, a distinct naturopathic philosophy of health and medicine that is not shared by any other profession or field of healing.

It is this combination that makes naturopathic medicine so powerful, effective, and unique; and that makes it a safe and gentle solution for health concerns of the whole family.

Naturopathic medicine recognizes the necessary and appropriate role of conventional medicine (drugs and surgery). These things have their place: specialized, technological diagnostic measures; the treatment of trauma; invasive or high-risk pharmacological or surgical treatments for medical emergencies; and advanced or life-threatening disease. But, as a management tool for chronic illness, whether minor or debilitating, conventional medicine should be complementary to natural medicine. My opinion is the exact opposite of the prevailing view that natural medicine should be complementary and alternative to modern technological, drug- and surgery-based medicine.

Naturopathic Medicine has a tremendous amount to offer both for prevention and treatment of disease. Its singular philosophy; combined with rigorous academic and clinical training makes Naturopathic Physicians uniquely qualified to address the kind of health concerns that concern most Americans.