What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors provide patients with a truly integrative form of health care.

As naturopathic doctors, we prevent, diagnose and treat disease using natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, acupuncture, and lifestyle counselling.

We are primary care providers with eight years of post-secondary education; a bachelor’s degree followed by a naturopathic medical degree. All naturopathic doctors must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing. For a complete list of licensed naturopathic doctors visit https://www.cand.ca/findmynd/.

Naturopathic doctors complement and enhance health care services provided by other health care professionals. They collaborate with other health professionals and refer when necessary. In Canada, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in many federal health committee initiatives, a commitment to evidence-based practices and scientific research.

Naturopathic Oath

I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of naturopathic medicine.

By precept, education and example, I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves and future generations. I will continually endeavour to improve my abilities. I will conduct my life and practice of naturopathic medicine with integrity and freedom from prejudice. I will keep confident what should not be divulged.

I will honour the principles of naturopathic medicine:

First, to do no harm.
To co-operate with the healing powers of nature.
To address the fundamental causes of disease.
To heal the whole person through individualized treatment.
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine.

With my whole heart, before these witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I pledge to remain true to this oath.