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About – Naturopathic Medicine
Adapted from
www.aanmc.org
What
is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic
medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with
current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering
all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.
Naturopathic
medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness; the medicine is
tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care.
Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the
patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic
treatment. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches
of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for
diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
Naturopathic
Physicians Are Primary Care Providers
Doctors of
naturopathic medicine (NDs) are trained as primary care providers
and, as such, their scope of practice may include...
Nutrition
Botanical medicine
Physical medicine
Homeopathy
Physical and clinical diagnosis
Laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging
Emergency medicine
Psychology
Pharmacology
Minor surgery
Acupuncture and Traditional Asian medicine
Naturopathic
physicians learn to treat all aspects of family health and wellness,
from pediatrics to geriatrics. They tailor their therapies to meet
the individual needs of each patient, factoring in physical, social,
emotional and spiritual aspects before prescribing a course of
treatment. Because they view natural remedies as complementary as
well as primary, naturopathic physicians cooperate with other
medical professionals, referring patients to allopathic medical
doctors, surgeons and other specialists whenever appropriate.
Naturopathic
Physicians Are Rigorously Trained
  Licensed naturopathic physicians have attended four-year
professional-level programs at
 accredited
institutions, where they have been educated in the same basic
sciences as allopathic physicians. The
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits
Naturopathic medical education institutions and these schools are
then eligible for membership in the
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).
During
their first two years of study, the curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences, covering...
Biochemistry
Human Physiology
Histology
Anatomy
Macro- and Microbiology
Immunology
Human Pathology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
For at
least the final two years
of their medical program, students intern in clinical settings under
the close supervision of licensed professionals.
Students of
naturopathic medicine use the Western medical sciences as a
foundation on which to build a thorough knowledge of holistic,
non-toxic therapies and develop skills in diagnosis, disease
prevention and wellness optimization.
Graduates from
naturopathic medical schools must pass the comprehensive
naturopathic physicians licensing examinations (NPLEX) to be
licensed as primary care physicians. Candidates for full licensure
must also satisfy all licensing requirements for the
individual state or province in which they plan to practice.
Before booking an
appointment with a “Doctor of Natural Medicine” ensure they have
attended a fully CNME accredited full time Naturopathic Educational
program and have written and passed the NPLEX licensing examinations
and are licensed within the province of Saskatchewan with the SANP.
Dr Zepp Rutledge is interested in all aspects of family health, from
prenatal to geriatric care, and in providing treatment for acute to
chronic conditions and preventative health maintenance. Her special
interests lie in:
Anxiety and depression
Disordered eating
Endocrine (hormonal) imbalances
Fertility support
Pregnancy and post-partum care
Sports medicine
Women’s Health
Naturopathic care that is provided by a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic
Medicine and, in the province of Saskatchewan is registered with the
Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners is
covered under most extended health insurance plans. Check with your
provider today!
The foundations of
Naturopathic Medicine are rooted in six key principles:
Primum Non
Nocere (First Do No Harm)
The Naturopathic Doctor uses methods and medicines that minimize the
risk of harmful side effects using the least force necessary to
diagnose and treat, avoids, when possible, the harmful suppression
of symptoms, and works with the individual's self-healing process.
Vis Medicatrix Naturae (The Healing Power of Nature)
The Naturopathic Doctor shall recognize, respect and promote the
self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human
being. Naturopathic Doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to
healing and recovery, and to facilitate and increase this inherent
self-healing process.
Tolle Causum (Treat the Cause)
The Naturopathic Doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying
causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress
symptoms.
Docere (Doctor as Teacher)
The Naturopathic Doctor shares information and knowledge with their
patients and encourages self-responsibility for health.
Treat the Whole Person
The Naturopathic doctor treats each patient by taking into account
individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and
social factors.
Health Promotion, the Best Prevention
The Naturopathic Doctor emphasizes the prevention of disease by
assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and
initiating appropriate interventions in partnership with their
patients to prevent illness.
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