​A licensed naturopathic physician (ND) attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD.  However, in addition, they also study holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and building wellness.
 
A naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to be able to help people make the lifestyle changes necessary to improve their health).  

By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain the best possible health.  It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by improving the patient’s overall lifestyle. 
 
As an ND, I perform the same kinds of physical exams, order and interpret lab tests, prescribe medications, and so on.  I also have extensive training in nutrition, herbal medicine, supplements, and other types of natural treatment.  To give me even more tools to help people get healthier more naturally, I also obtained my masters degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
                                     
The 6 Naturopathic Principles

Naturopathic physicians practice the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine

The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
 
Identify and Treat the Causes
Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
 
First Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.
 
Doctor as Teacher
Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.
 
Treat the Whole Person
View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
 
Prevention
Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

For additional information:
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians (HSNP)
American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
AANMC’s Professional Competency Profile