Question:
My Naturopathic Doctor is a Phd in Medicine. He is not allowed to practice both disciplines. He has chosen Natuopathy.In the US:There is no such PhD in 'medicine' degree.It does not exist.A PhD degree is a "Doctor of Philosophy" in various diciplines.One may have a PhD in civil engineering for example.There is no such thing as a 'doctor' that can practice 'medicine'without a degree in some discipline of medicine (DDS, DVM, DPM, DO, MD, etc.) and a state license is required to practice in all states of the USA.The DEA license is required for prescription CII privilege.The DC degree and license carries no Rx privileges.Naturopathy is not recognized as a legitimate 'medical doctor' in the US.

Answer: Californians will soon have access to another type of licensed doctor, thanksto a new state law.

Senate Bill 907, which takes effect Jan. 1, licenses naturopathic doctors forthe first time in the state. Licensure will allow naturopathic physicians todiagnose and treat disease, and perform physical exams and laboratory tests. Italso defines requirements for licensing and restricts the title of doctor ofnaturopathy or naturopathic doctor to those who have graduated from approvedprograms and passed an examination.

"I see passage of SB 907 as a tremendous victory for Californians who wantaccess to safe and natural medicine," said Sally LaMont, executive director ofthe California Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

The approximately 1,500 naturopathic doctors in the United States use a varietyof therapies to prevent and treat disease, including nutrition, homeopathy,herbal medications, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation and counseling.

Melissa Metcalfe is a naturopathic doctor who has practiced in Westlake Villagefor the past five years. She said that she spends two hours with each patientwhen she first meets them, getting to know them and their health issues.

"It's what I call good medicine," Metcalfe said. "I get a complete history, gothrough a comprehensive review of body system function. We do a whole familyhistory as far back as we can go."

Metcalfe says naturopathy is focused on prevention and lifestyle changes thatlead to better health.

"Naturopathic doctors tend to take the meaning of the Latin root of doctor,'docere,' literally," said LaMont. "'Docere' means to teach, and we spend agreat deal of time teaching our patients how to achieve health."

Naturopathy came into formal existence about 100 years ago, but is based onancient traditions of natural medicine. The practice was in vogue in the 1920sand '30s, went through a decline in the mid 20th century and had a renaissanceduring the 1970s.

Thirteen states license or register naturopathic physicians. There are threeaccredited four-year, 4,100-hour programs of study in the United States.

When the law goes into effect, naturopathic doctors will be able to prescribemedication, perform physical examinations such as pap smears, overseechildbirth and do minor surgery.

Metcalfe said the ability to prescribe medication is especially importantbecause naturopathic physicians like to work with compounding pharmacies toadjust dosages to suit the needs of particular patients.

In other states where naturopathic doctors are licensed, many insurancecompanies have begun to cover their services, Metcalfe said.

"It will probably take a couple years," she said. "But they'll jump on itbecause they know it is cost-effective medicine."

http://www.drlukehuber.com/naturopathic.asp

Naturopathic Education

A Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate levelnaturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciencesas an M.D. but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with astrong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition toa standard medical curriculum, the Naturopathic Doctor is required to completeat least a year of training in each of the following; clinical nutrition,botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine and counseling. A naturopathic doctortakes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by astate or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician or doctor.