What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is based on the philosophy that the human body has an innate ability to restore health when obstacles to cure are removed and an appropriate environment is set in place. Accredited naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers, and yet continue to teach their clients to use food, exercise, lifestyle coaching and natural modalities, such as botanical medicine, supplementation and homeopathy to restore themselves to a balanced state, where one can more efficiently fight off illness and better manage the stressors of everyday living.
Accredited ND’s view their clients as complex individuals, where no single treatment plan is alike. A client can expect to go home with a personally crafted comprehensive health report that blends the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to support them in achieving balance and maintaining health.
After all, feeling healthy makes life that much sweeter.
EDUCATION OF AN ACCREDITED Naturopathic doctor (N.D.):
The ND curriculum is a rigorous 4 year doctorate program with additional clinical and observation hours. A pre-medical undergraduate degree course load is required upon admittance to an accredited Naturopathic school. Below are some of the courses included in the ND curriculum.
Anatomy & Physiology, Naturopathic Medical Philosophy, Clinical & Laboratory Diagnosis, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology, Histology, Homeopathy, Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Reproductive Health, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Oncology, Pharmacology, Cardiology, Counseling, Geriatrics, Urology, Gastroenterology, Physical Medicine, IV Therapy, Minor Surgery.
An accredited ND is eligible to sit for the NPLEX licensing exam after completing 4 years of course study. Upon passing NPLEX, one is eligible to apply for a license in one or all of the states/provinces/territories that offer naturopathic licensure.
LICENSURE FOR ACCREDITED naturopathic doctors:
Dr. Taylor Howell is licensed as an N.D. in the state of Washington. Since Florida is an unlicensed state, Taylor does not hold a license or practice medicine in the state of Florida. Taylor’s clients must work with their primary care providers, as an accredited naturopath in Florida cannot practice medicine and therefore does not diagnose, treat, or complete physical exams.
A legislative summary by Dr. Todd Robinson, Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association, Secretary and Legislative Chair:
"Currently, 17 American states, 5 Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands all have laws regulating the practice of naturopathic medicine. While the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in these localities does vary, most licensure laws include the ability to diagnose and treat illness and prescribe certain pharmaceutical medications. When visiting a naturopathic doctor in one of these regulated localities, patients can be confident they are seeing a qualified naturopathic doctor who has graduated from a CNME accredited naturopathic medical school and has also passed the NPLEX licensing exam. Unfortunately, in localities that are unlicensed/unregulated, healthcare consumers have no such assurances when visiting a naturopathic doctor (i.e. – anyone with any level of training and education can claim to be a naturopathic doctor). As such, it behooves healthcare consumers to inquire about the training and education of any naturopathic doctor they visit in an unlicensed or unregulated area."
Dr. Taylor Howell set off on a mission to learn the biochemistry and physiology of the human body to help restore healthy patterns. She looks forward to working with you and learning how she can best assist your healthcare journey.
