dr of naturopathic medicine

[pedspnp]

i received a message from parent yesterday wanting the children to be exempt from immunizations due to religious reasons ok I am fine with that but in reviewing the charts all the immunizations were up to date HUH, so I called the dad and He stated that he had just completed his degree in Doctorate if Naturopathic medicine and as far as he was concerned had a great disdain for how we practice medicine, and wanted a religious exemption, when I asked what religion to put on the form he told me oh we dont practice religion we do not even go to church, i just need a statement from you stating they do not need immunizations due to religious reason, Hello i am lost here evidently this gentleman received a 2 month degree and now i need to submit a letter for religious reason, I think he need to join a church and let them deal with it:eek:

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

lol - what a scam.

Are parents (forgive this stupid question) able to just say "I don't want my kids vaccinated"??

When I have pts that want me to sign stuff that I don't feel is legit, I just refuse to do so.

[FNPGrad]

OMG…so funny that this came up!! I was catching up with an old friend a few days ago and she was updating me on another friend (bear with me…it gets good) who became a naturopathic doctor in 2009. The last time I saw her in 2003, she was a Clinical Nutritionist with an M.S. degree. She went to a local university in Bridgeport CT. Two months you say?? Not even close! Try FOUR YEARS of FULL TIME study! No part-time allowed, no online or "distance" learning. Check this out:

Each year consists of two 18 week semesters (normal is 12 weeks)

Each semester is between 25 and 30 credits (I think my entire program was ~ 36 credits)

Each summer is spent doing "clinical" time

Grand Total is 202.75 credits! Can you imagine what it costs??

This is the curriculum: Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Biochemistry, Physiology, History of Naturopathic Medicine, Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine, Mind-Body Medicine, Research Methods/Statistics and a Botanical Pharmacy Lab in the first semester alone!! :sstrs:

Additional classes include (This is from the website) Neuroscience, Living Anatomy, Hydrotherapy, Counseling Skills, Phytopharmacognosy(?), Pathology, Clinical Diagnosis, Physical Examination, Laboratory Diagnosis, Public Health/Epidemiology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Botanical Medicine, Nutrition, Oriental Medicine, Orthopedic Assessment, Psychological Assessment, Clinic Education, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Forum, Gynecology, Homeopathy, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Emergency Procedures, Environmental Medicine, EENT, Endocrinology, Neurology, Urology/Proctology, Obstetrics, Practice Management, Geriatrics, Oncology, Dermatology, Minor Surgery, Therapeutic Exercise/Sports Medicine and Jurisprudence/Ethics :dzed:

Can you imagine that?? I had no idea it involved so much! I'm glad to learn I'm not the only one. I don't think you could pay me to go through that!

[FNPGrad]

Sorry...one more thing. Tuition is $640 per credit so 640 x 202 = $129,280

Room and board for 4 years (6950 x 4) = $27,800

plus books, food, lab fees, misc fees….??

Roughly $160,000!

[pedspnp]

no you could not pay me either, that is outrageous I still have not signed the paper work since i have never seen these kids in clinic

[Dixiecup]

Pardon my ignorance, but I've never even heard of one of these degrees. What can you do with it?

[pedspnp]

it's complimentary and holisitc medicince

[FNPGrad]

I had to look it up also. Here is a definition from the AANP website (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians):

"Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed healthcare practitioners. Visit our Professional Education page to learn about naturopathic education.

NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family healthcare. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery. NDs are trained to utilize prescription drugs, although the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents."

[Foxfour]

i know all about this because i wanted to be a n.d. it requires 8 years of study. they have 3 universities in the us. there is one in az, one in ct and the last in wa (bastyr university--which i wanted to attend). it's very expensive and at the time (don't know if it has changed) no financial aid was available. in some states (not all) you have billing rights. you heal in a totally different way than what we are used to or exposed to. i totally believe in it and practice this way of healing in my family. i just recently got accepted into the fnp program and hope that i might be able to incorporate this type of healing in my occupation.