| Kim L. Corbett B. Eng., N.D. | Français |
| Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Naturopathic Medicine?
A. Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health care profession that focuses on prevention and uses natural methods to promote healing in acute conditions and chronic illness. It is a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing the whole person, rather than treating individual symptoms. The focus is on re-establishing the balance needed for the body to exact its’ own healing.
Q. What does a Naturopathic Doctor do?
A. Naturopathic Doctors thoroughly assess each patient and prepare programs tailored to their specific health conditions and objectives. These programs can include any combination of clinical nutrition, botanical and herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine and lifestyle counseling.
Q. What can I expect on a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor?
Q. What is the training of a Naturopathic Doctor?A. Your first visit will be one hour long and include a comprehensive health history review. Your second visit will be 45 minutes long and focus on your customized treatment plan. Follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan generally occur on a monthly basis, requiring 30-45 minutes.
A. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors are required to complete three years of pre-medical studies at a recognized university, followed by four years of full-time (4,500 hours of classroom and 1,500 hours of clinical) naturopathic medical education at an accredited college. There are two accredited colleges in Canada and four in the United States. After graduation, NDs must pass rigorous regulatory board examinations that are standardized across North America.
Q. Is Naturopathy regulated in Canada?
A. In some provinces, yes. Legislation for Naturopathic Doctors exists in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. New regulations for NDs in Alberta have been prepared and await government approval.
Q. Is Naturopathy regulated in Quebec?
A. No. The Quebec government has chosen not to regulate Naturopathy in this province. This means that anyone can use the title of Naturopath or ND in Quebec resulting in a “buyer beware” situation. As a patient, it is your responsibility to ensure that your practitioner has adequate training for you to feel comfortable entrusting your health care to them.
Q. My Naturopath issues insurance receipts for Naturopathy, does this mean they are licensed?
A. No. In an unregulated province such as Quebec, a practitioner may have very little training as a Naturopath and be permitted to issue insurance receipts for Naturopathic services.
Q. Are you a medical doctor (MD)?
A. No, we are not MDs. Our training, and in many cases, our approach, is different from that of MDs. You don’t have to choose between us: natural therapies can be used alongside conventional therapies. It is, after all, your body, and we respect your right to choose how you will manage your health care.
Q. Where can I go for more detailed information about Naturopathy?
A. See our Related Links at the bottom right of this page.