The short answer is you and me, and most folks we know.
Without naturopathic patients, there would be no naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to patient care. Therefore, the relationship between the ND and the patient plays a key role in the healing process. An open relationship can help improve a patient’s health, while a closed relationship may be a barrier to recovery. When doctors and patients work together, healing happens.
What patients say they value most about seeing an ND
- They can be active participants in their health creation and wellness.
- Time. NDs typically spend an hour or more with new patients and 30-45 minutes in follow up visits.
- Addressing the root cause, and not focusing solely on symptom management.
- The holistic approach to care that includes nutrition, herbs, supplements and mind-body medicine.
- That their ND takes the time to teach them how to stay well.
- And in the words of many, “I feel heard, for the first time.”
Click here to view a few naturopathic patient success stories.
Common Conditions Treated
Some of the common conditions patients come to see NDs for include gut health, endocrine imbalances, fatigue, anxiety, allergies/autoimmune disorders, insomnia and pain. According to the 2020 AANMC Career Growth and Compensation Survey, approximately 50% of US-based NDs also offer a sliding scale to increase accessibility to various patient populations.
Reference: AANMC Career Growth and Compensation Survey, 2020 *Totals do not equal 100% as many NDs use multiple therapies and approaches to help patients get well.
Naturopathic medical education is extremely comprehensive, and patients may see their ND for primary care, or for a specific area of specialization. NDs treat a wide variety of patients and conditions primarily in outpatient, private and interdisciplinary practice settings.
Naturopathic Specialty Associations exist for the following disciplines:
- American Association of Naturopathic Midwives (AANM)
- Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (EndoANP)
- Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (GastroANP)
- Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (HANP)
- Institute of Naturopathic Generative Medicine (INGM)
- Naturopathic Association of Environmental Medicine (NAEM)
- Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP)
- Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP)
- Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PsycANP)
ND practices also afford an eclectic mix of therapeutic options. Additionally, many NDs partner or work in interdisciplinary practices, delivering a team-based approach to patient care. From the table below, you will note a strong emphasis on therapeutic nutrition, as it is often core to addressing so many of the chronic illnesses patients present with.
Reference: AANMC Career Growth and Compensation Survey, 2020
Of those who selected ‘other’ the following graphic describes a bit of what they do.
Lastly, the following chart from the 2020 AANMC Career Growth and Compensation Survey illustrates that ND practices typically spend significant time with patients. Full-time practices see anywhere from 11-100 or more patients per week, however the majority of NDs see fewer than 60 patients per week for full-time, full income practices. Both the doctor and patient report higher satisfaction with their interactions. ND practices seeing lower volumes of patients are typically doctors who choose to work part-time in clinical practice and/or supplement their career with work in academia, research, writing, consulting or the nutraceutical industry.
Patient Success Stories
Naturopathic doctors share success stories of interprofessional patient care.
To become an ND patient, click here to find a naturopathic doctor in the United States or Canada.