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Naturopathy in Vermont

This report explores the role of Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) in Vermont as primary healthcare providers, comparing their education and accreditation to MDs, and discussing national efforts and policy options to integrate NDs into the healthcare system.

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Naturopathy in Vermont

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  1. Naturopathy in Vermont Evaluating Education Differences and the Role of Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) as Primary Care Providers Presented to the Vermont Senate Government Operations Committee April 23, 2013 Roanna Wang The contents of this report were developed under grant P116B100070 from the U.S. Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

  2. Outline • Naturopaths in Vermont • Education and Accreditation of NDs • National Naturopathic Primary Care Efforts • Policy Options

  3. Naturopaths in Vermont • Holistic system of primary health • NDs currently licensed in 16 states (including Vermont) • May 2012: NDs in Vermont covered by health insurance as primary care providers Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges

  4. Naturopaths in Vermont • Fifty-two registered NDs in Vermont • Private practices, community health clinics • Shortage of primary care in Vermont VT overlay of areas of primary care need

  5. Education and Accreditation of NDs • Education: • 3 years pre-medical training undergraduate level • 4 years at accredited naturopathic medical college • 3,200 hours classroom; 1,200 hours clinical • Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX) • Continuing education

  6. Differences in Education Compared to MDs • Clinical training • NDs have more clinical training in the first two years • Residency required for MDs (3-7 years) • Some programs exist for NDs • Treatment approaches • NDs: treating and preventing illness holistically • MDs: controlling disease process with more aggressive pharmaceutical and surgery

  7. National Naturopathic Primary Care Efforts • Licensed in 16 states • Prescribing authority in 11 states • ND and DO comparison • Both focus on preventative care, holistic approach • Fill primary care gaps (especially rural areas)

  8. Policy Options • Prerequisites/medical coursework • Create a Vermont-specific exam • Residencies • Create internship and residency opportunities • Continuing education • Increase mandated hours • Integration for alternative medicine • Improve collaboration between NDs and MDs

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