Erika Said:

Would you rather go to a naturopathic doctor, a (TCM) chinese medicine doctor or a nutritional therapist?

We Answered:

Naturopathic doctor.

I'm vegan, and I've also worked in the diet office at a hospital, so I already know a lot about nutrition and the benefits of a healthy diet as far as disease prevention. So, a nutritional therapist would be pretty useless to me, personally. I'm kind of leery of Chinese herbal medicine, but I do believe acupuncture works, although I've never tried it.

Generally, I think people who are interested in finding alternative, non-pharmaceutical treatments for their condition most likely already eat pretty healthily, and have already educated themselves a fair amount about nutrition. So, I think most people would go with naturopathy or TCM.

Karen Said:

How long does it take a Naturopathic Doctor to become a Doctor of Medicine?

We Answered:

After being accepted, you will need to complete a 4 year college or university program complying with medical school premed requirements. Some pre medical programs can be completed within two years. In your final year you will have to do the MCAT test (Medical School Admission test) and then complete 4 years at medical school. To specialize in a specific branch of medicine you will have to add another 3 to 8 years of internship and residency (average 4 years). Knowledge in naturopathy can only be an advantage. Your knowledge of both fields will be an asset to you as a doctor.

http://www.theapprenticedoctor.com/showa…
http://www.iau.edu.lc/premed.html

Claudia Said:

What do doctors of naturopathic medicine do?

We Answered:

That should tell you all that you need to know. Go to a doctor with a medical degree. You'll be glad you did.

Carmen Said:

Where should I go to school for alternative medicine?

We Answered:

Bastyr University, NCNM (National College of Natural Medicine), The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. All of the schools I've listed are of course accredited. Bastyr University is located in Washington state, the other two are located in Oregon.

Good luck!

Vicki Said:

Is there a specialty for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine that is similar to a naturopathic doctor?

We Answered:

You're in the United States? Go the osteopath route rather than be a naturopathic "doctor." Osteopaths are able to go into residency and become medical specialists. Naturopathy is an unregulated "profession."

Good luck.