Naturopathic Family Health Care
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How are naturopathic doctors trained?
- Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario ?
- Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
- How can I tell if someone is qualified as a naturopathic doctor?
- What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?
- What is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath?
- Will herbs interact with my prescription medications?
How are naturopathic doctors trained?
Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure that is similar to that of medical doctors. Naturopathic doctors receive a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education; this includes 3 years of pre-medical university studies combined with 4 years of full-time schooling at an approved college of naturopathic medicine. In Canada, the only accredited college of naturopathic medicine is the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.
The four-year naturopathic program incorporates the following:
Basic Medical Sciences - e.g., anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, microbiology, and pathology
Clinical Sciences - e.g., differential, laboratory, and physical diagnosis
Naturopathic Therapies - e.g., nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and homeopathy
1500 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Following the completion of the program, naturopathic doctors must successfully complete licensing exams (known as Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations or NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing to practice in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors have been regulated in Ontario since 1925 under the Drugless Practitioners Act (DPA) which ensures protection of the public similar to that of other health care professions. Naturopathic doctors are also regulated in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
No. At this time, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover naturopathic medicine. However, naturopathic services are covered by many extended health care plans and can be claimed as a medical expense deduction on income taxes.
How can I tell if someone is qualified as a naturopathic doctor?
In Ontario, the public can call the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN) at 416-866-8383 to verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered to practice in the province. The BDDTN is the regulatory body that registers naturopathic doctors to practice in Ontario .
In addition, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) can also be contacted to verify if a ND is licensed. The OAND can be reached at 1-877-628-7284.
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?
Both naturopathic and medical doctors receive a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education, which includes training in all of the basic medical sciences. Both are primary health care providers who are trained and licensed in Ontario to perform physical examinations (including gynecological exams and PAP smears), use diagnostic instruments and lab tests (e.g., performing blood draws and urinalysis), diagnose illness, and treat disease. In order to become licensed to practice in Ontario, both types of doctors are required to pass rigorous licensing examinations.
One of the main differences is that naturopathic doctors do not use prescription drugs or surgery. Instead, they are extensively trained in the use of natural therapies to treat and prevent disease. Naturopathic doctors may prescribe herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, whole foods, exercise, or other safe and effective therapies. Whereas the medical approach to health care focuses more on the treatment of symptoms, the naturopathic approach focuses on investigating and treating the underlying causes of illness. In Ontario, naturopathic medicine is not covered by OHIP but it is included under many extended health care plans.
What is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath?
Homeopathic medicine is not a regulated profession. This means that homeopaths are unlicensed practitioners - although some may have many years of training, others may have only a weekend course. In contrast, naturopathic medicine is a regulated profession. Naturopathic doctors receive a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education. They must complete over four thousand hours of classroom and clinical training. To become licensed in Ontario, they must also pass rigorous North American licensing exams.
Homeopaths are practitioners that use only homeopathy to treat clients. Naturopathic doctors also use homeopathy in their practice, but not exclusively. Naturopaths use a combination of modalities to assist in the treatment and prevention of disease (e.g., nutrition, herbs, and acupuncture).
Will herbs interact with my prescription medications?
Certain herbs and nutrients can have adverse effects when combined with prescription medications. Your naturopathic doctor is aware of the interactions and will avoid all known interactions when prescribing your supplements. However, it is essential that you provide your naturopathic doctor with a list of all current medications as well as any allergies.
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