FAQs

How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?

Licensed naturopathic doctors in Saskatchewan have achieved the following training:

• University degree, including various medical prerequisites in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and psychology
• 4,100 hours of academic and clinical training and a diploma from a four-year full-time accredited naturopathic medical college including one year clincial internship
• Successful completion of North American licensing exams including basic sciences, (anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, physiology and pathology), as well as clinical sciences (Physical and Clinical Diagnosis, Laboratory Diagnosis and Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmacology, Emergency Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Physical Medicine, Botanical medicine, Psychology, Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture and Homeopathy)
• Successful completion of Saskatchewan licensing exams including practical exams, (Physical and Clinical diagnosis, Acupuncture and Manipulation), as well as Saskatchewan Jurisprudence
• Continually updating skills through annual continuing medical education requirements
• Valid license from the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathy Physicians

What are Naturopathic Doctors trained to do?

• Naturopathic doctors are the only licensed primary care providers in the field of alternative medicine. Naturopathic doctors are trained very similarly to conventional medical doctors except NDs focus is on using safe and natural therapies to support your body’s ability to heal itself, instead of suppressing of symptoms of disease. NDs are trained to:
• Perform complete physical exams and take complete medical histories: We suggest that all clients obtain a complete physical exam once a year (including prostate, breast and/or gynecological) by your medical doctor or your naturopathic doctor. Depending on your current symptoms and medical history, your naturopathic doctor may recommend additional assessments, (e.g. orthopedic, stress or nutritional assessments).
• Perform and interpret naturopathic and conventional medical laboratory test: We recommend that every client undergo a standard blood tests once a year. Depending on your current symptoms and medical history, your naturopathic doctor may recommend additional testing, (e.g. hormone, toxicity or allergy testing)
• Diagnose naturopathic and conventional medical conditions: Naturopathic diagnosis is based on identifying imbalances in body systems. This helps naturopaths treat the cause of the disease, not just the symptoms, as well as catch disturbances in the early stages, before they become full blown conditions.
• Prescribe and carry out naturopathic treatment plans: Your individual treatment plan can include any combination of naturopathic treatments including: acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, counselling, lifestyle counseling, massage, hydrotherapy, physical therapy and spinal manipulation.
• Monitor your progress: You will be reassessed in a follow up visit at the end of your treatment plan in order to monitor your progress.
• Work collaboratively with other health care professionals: Naturopathic doctors often refer to and work with medical doctors, massage therapists, chiropractors and psychologists to provide high-quality integrative healthcare.

What is the Naturopathic philosophy of care?

• First, do no harm (your health is our top priority, we use safe and natural treatments)
• Strengthen each individual’s self-healing ability (we do not override your body’s natural healing mechanisms)
• Find and treat the cause of the disease (instead of only suppressing symptoms)
• Heal the whole person (including mind, body and spirit) through thorough assessments and individualized treatment plans each the principles of prevention and healthy living