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Is an ND a real doctor? I've heard both sides and I can't tell. Can a doctor help me?
#medicine #medical
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Richard’s Answer
An licensed ND has attended a four-year post graduate institution like an MD. However ND do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. Also and MD has completed at least a year of internship and usually a longer residency.
Be careful, in states without specific accreditation, some naturopaths callthemselves naturopathic doctors even though they haven't completed the schooling.
Be careful, in states without specific accreditation, some naturopaths callthemselves naturopathic doctors even though they haven't completed the schooling.
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Valerie’s Answer
A nautropathic doctor trains for 4 years after attending college, however it is not at a medical school. They study anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology and mainly focus on detailed natural therapies. They cannot safely perform minor procedures by themselves.
They do not need to do a residency, which a MD or DO does. There are only 16 states currently that license ND for medical practice. However, they are not a physicians, they need to be supervised by an MD or DO while writing prescriptions, just like a PA or NP.
However, there are a lot of bills being passed and legislature being looked at in regards to NDs. I hope that helps! There are some major differences between the two, but it does not mean NDs are not important or respected.
They do not need to do a residency, which a MD or DO does. There are only 16 states currently that license ND for medical practice. However, they are not a physicians, they need to be supervised by an MD or DO while writing prescriptions, just like a PA or NP.
However, there are a lot of bills being passed and legislature being looked at in regards to NDs. I hope that helps! There are some major differences between the two, but it does not mean NDs are not important or respected.