Naturopathic Physicians Job Description

System of Practice for Naturopaths

The system of practice that is used by Naturopaths is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use a variety of methods. Natural remedies, prescription drugs, foods, herbs, and other drugs may be used.

The system of practice that is used by Naturopaths is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use a variety of methods. Natural remedies, prescription drugs, foods, herbs, and other drugs may be used.

They interview patients to document their symptoms. Patients are interviewed by Naturopathic Physicians on a daily basis. They document patients' histories, including identifying data, chief complaints, illnesses, previous medical or family histories, or psychosocial characteristics.

Naturopaths keep up with health trends and public health updates. They can also maintain professional development through activities such as postgraduate education. Minor surgical procedures are performed on a weekly to monthly basis by Naturopathic Physicians.

The Role of Naturopathic Physicians in Health Care Management

If you go to see a naturopathic physician, you will find that the exam is the same as a traditional doctor, except that the Naturopath will spend more time talking to you about your medical history and state of overall well-being. Doctors who are Naturopaths can write prescriptions for conventional drugs, but they tend to focus on natural healing methods. Traditional medical practices are combined with alternative disciplines such as herbal and homeopathy.

It also includes psychology, spirituality, nutrition, massage, and Eastern medicine. Doctors of Naturopathy believe that the whole person needs to be treated rather than focusing on a specific illness. They're trained to use traditional methods and a combination of healing methods tailored to each patient.

Because they are primary care physicians who also incorporate traditional Western medical practices, they refer patients to surgeons and other health care professionals as needed. Even when a patient makes an appointment for a specific issue, a naturopathic physician is still required to create whole health care management systems for them. A first visit can take up to two hours and includes a complete medical history and discussion of health issues.

Diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as x-rays or mammograms, after a conventional medical examination. Alternative therapies can be included in treatment plans that may include conventional medicine. Patients are also advised on their diet.

O-Net OnLine predicts that the average growth rate in employment for naturopathic physicians will between 10 and 19 percent through 2020. The average salary for a naturopathic doctor is $80,000. There were 56,000 naturopathic physicians employed in 2010 and an estimated 21,200 will open up through 2020.

The State of the Art in Naturopathic Medicine

The doctors of the naturopathic medical school are known for their communication skills. Before proposing treatment options, the doctor needs to know about the patient in order to get a full picture of the condition. A first office visit to an ND is likely to last at least 60-90 minutes.

There are laws regulating naturopathic doctors in 22 states, five Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Pre-licensed physicians in states and provinces work in many capacities. MDs and naturopathic doctors alike are required to pass professional board exams before they can be licensed, and both are highly educated in all of the same sciences.