How to Select a Naturopathic Doctor

I believe that women need the medicine that Naturopathic Doctors offer.  I believe that giving women the knowledge they need to make healthy decisions for their health, and the health of their families, is one of the most powerful ways we can empower women. This is the entire reason my website exists – to share knowledge and empower women.

But I can’t be everywhere.  And I can’t treat everyone.  As a Naturopathic Doctor I am a regulated health care professional and can only practice in jurisdictions where I am licensed (Ontario, Canada).  Every week I receive emails from people across Canada and around the world who want to find someone like me.  The great news is that there are many wonderful Naturopathic Doctors out there who are making huge impacts on the health of their community.  And you can find one in your area.

How to Select a Naturopathic Doctor

The Basics

1. Do they have a degree in Naturopathic Medicine?

In North America there are only seven accredited schools where a Naturopathic Doctor can obtain a degree.  Only two of these are in Canada.  You can check the schools on the website for the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).

2. Are they licensed to practice in the province or state where you live?

Naturopathic Medicine is not regulated the same in every province or state.  In fact, only 5 provinces (Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) currently regulate Naturopathic Doctors.  Many states in the USA also regulate Naturopathic Medicine, while others are still seeking regulation.  (Click here to check if your state is regulated).

Regulation is important to ensure the safety of the public – if you are in a regulated area only see a Naturopathic Doctor who is licensed to practice in that area.  If you are not, consider finding a Naturopathic Doctor who is licensed to practice in a regulated area.

The Right Fit

3. Do they have a practice focus? 

Naturopathic Doctors are primary care physicians – trained to support a wide variety of health care conditions and concerns.  However, many Naturopaths choose to focus their practice on treating a specific concern or population.  Ask your potential ND if they have a practice focus and see if it is inline with the concerns you are seeking care for.  You don’t want to see a cancer-focused Naturopathic Doctor if you are seeking care for PCOS.

4. Do they have any additional certifications or training?

The education of Naturopathic Doctors should not end when they graduate from naturopathic medical school.  There are additional certifications and associations that Naturopathic Doctors can obtain that can enhance the services they offer.  Examples include bio-identical hormone prescribing, IV micronutrient therapy, perinatal, cancer, or pediatric associations.

The Best Practices

5. What types of assessments or testing do they offer in their practice?

One of the core tenets of Naturopathic Medicine is to treat the root cause.  How is your Naturopathic Doctor going to help to uncover the root cause of your symptoms?  Do they offer the highest level of functional tests in addition to standard blood tests? Do they do mostly energetic testing?  Will they review lab tests from your Medical Doctor? How do they decide what tests may be necessary for you?

6. Do they incorporate evidence based information and research into their treatment plans? 

The body of research on naturopathic medicine is growing every single day.  How does your Naturopathic Doctor stay up to date on research in their practice?  Do they incorporate both modern research and traditional knowledge into their treatment plans?  Patients are often surprised by the amount of research we can provide on the treatments we are suggesting for their care!

7. Will they work integratively together with your current health care team?

Integrative Medicine is choosing the best of all forms of medicine with the sole purpose of improving patient outcomes.  ~ Dr. Lisa

I think the medicine of the future will be more patient-centered, with all different types of health care providers working together to improve the health of individuals and their families.  I love working with Medical Doctors, physiotherapists, psychotherapists, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, and many other health professionals.  I truly believe this approach benefits everyone, most importantly my patients.

8. What types of therapies do they use in their practice?

Naturopathic Doctors are trained in a number of different therapies, from acupuncture to herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation and homeopathy.  What therapies does your Naturopath use, and why?  Personally I don’t use a lot of homeopathy in my practice because there isn’t a vast body of research supporting its use.  I focus on the research based treatments of nutritional and botanical medicines.  Discuss what your Naturopath is using and see if it resonates with what you’re looking for.

9. How much experience does the Naturopathic Doctor have?

There are many more important considerations than the number of years a doctor has been in practice, but it is something to discuss when meeting a Naturopath for the first time.  You don’t necessarily want to be someone’s first patient with your health concern.

10. Do you trust them, feel listened to, and comfortable with them?

In my mind, this is one of the most important considerations.  Ideally you are building a long term relationship with your Naturopathic Doctor.  Consider the so-called “soft traits” like personality, approachability, empathy and trust when deciding on your Naturopath.  This can be the make or break factor in selecting your ND, and I encourage you to trust your gut.

To make things easy for you, I’ve made a pdf with all these suggestions.  Bring it along when meeting your Naturopathic Doctor for the first time.  Most NDs offer a free 10-15 minute meet and greet appointment – I highly recommend taking them up on this.  Take the time to choose the best ND for you, and you will benefit immensely from the investment!

How to Select an ND

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider.  Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.