What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?

The degree of Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is awarded after four years of a post-graduate intensive medical program at an accredited school. Naturopathic physicians are trained extensively in the art and science of conventional as well as natural medicine. Course work is rigorous and parallels the course work of Medical Doctors, plus includes not only diagnostic and laboratory science, but extensive training in nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine and many other modalities plus alternative medical traditions. The program also includes two years of clinical experience in providing community medicine.

For licensure in the state of Washington (where Dr. Congdon is licensed), NDs sit for three days of rigorous clinical board exams and have to complete dozens of hours of continuing education biannually to maintain their license.

One key element of the way NDs practice is found in the THERAPEUTIC ORDER:

As noted on the American Association for Naturopathic Medicine website:

“A common question for those who have not visited a naturopathic doctor before, is how ND practice is different from what they might be used to in conventional models. The Therapeutic Order guides how the naturopathic principles are applied, and is based on the idea that the human body possesses an inherent drive to heal itself. It posits that the least amount of force be employed in order to promote gentle, safe and long-lasting health and well-being. The Therapeutic Order characterizes the natural progression of naturopathic therapeutic recommendations to maximize patient benefit and reduce the potential for damage or harm. Naturopathic care ultimately focuses on the individual and what is best for them at that moment in time.”

(see THERAPEUTIC ORDER visual chart below this section)