Anyone heard of this?

[acl3623]

An N.D.???apparently there is such a thing as a "naturopathic doctor"? i couldnt find much info on it but my boyfriend's grandfather who has suffered from prostate cancer just wrote me an email about one he went to. i had never heard of them, but i told him i would get back to him with whatever i could find out...so i ask the all-knowing SDN community..

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[Doc 2b]

I have heard of an NMD (naturopathic medical doctor). This is a growing field, especially in Cali. I know some hospitals out there actually give them admitting rights at hospitals. There are none where I am from, but my father knows several throughout the country. From what I know they are basically herbalist, and cannot prescribe medication or do surgery like a MD or DO can. Hope that helps some.

 

[captbadass]

naturopathic doctors do have a role in the healthcare community. some medical practices even include them in the mix to offer their patients a professional source on natural treatments. however, naturopaths should in no way be trusted as the sole healthcare provider to serious medical illnesses. i think most legitimate NDs do not claim to be able to treat cancer or other illnesses that clearly require medical attention from a MD/DO. if your boyfriend's grandfather wants to be treated by an ND for prostate cancer, then I would strongly discourage that. on the other hand, if the ND is supplementing the treatment he his receiving from an md/do, and the md/do is ok with it, then i think it could be beneficial. along the same lines, if he is already cured of the prostate cancer and is looking for good advice on living a preventive, healthy lifestyle, an ND could really help him out. A word of caution, though. there are only a few schools that offer a legitimate ND program. there are numerous people out there practicing with a ND that they received from an online diploma mill. here is a link that should explain a lot about the profession, and furthermore clue you in on how to find a reputable ND.

http://www.aanmc.org/index.php

CAPT

 

[acl3623]

you guys rock...he's in boston and has been to some of the best cancer specialists in the area but doesnt trust some conventional physicians because he was misdiagnosed by a reputable md early on. its interesting how some of these new-age physicians are spawning to address the demand in natural medicine but i just dont know how trustworthy they are..ill keep the search on...

 

[MD Rapper]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=121399

 

[ananda4321]

you guys rock...he's in boston and has been to some of the best cancer specialists in the area but doesnt trust some conventional physicians because he was misdiagnosed by a reputable md early on. its interesting how some of these new-age physicians are spawning to address the demand in natural medicine but i just dont know how trustworthy they are..ill keep the search on...

I think it's intersting that they're refered to as "new-aged" them and most other "alternative medicine people" have been around for far longer than our western docs. It is of course understood that they are not suitable today to be a primary care doc, but especially for cronic or other medical problems where some MDs are at a loss, I think it's great to see other experts in the medical community. Maybe they can offer a "cure" maybe just a glimmer of more hope. Either way, it can't hurt.

 

[TexPre-Med]

I don't believe in using an NMD as anything but a supplement to M.D./D.O. care. They don't have the training in my opinion or even the priviledge of prescribing medication that I am aware of.