The 8th Annual U.S. Naturopathic Medicine Week is October 4-10, 2020. Learn why Doctor as Teacher is a principle of naturopathic medicine!

Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) follow six guiding principles that serve as a philosophical platform for everything we do. These principles are so important that they are part of the Oath of Naturopathic Medicine that we take when we graduate from medical school. The principles influence how we think about medicine, how we make clinical decisions, and most importantly, how we treat you as a patient. Each principle plays a role in guiding naturopathic doctors in diagnosis and treatment. Doctor as teacher (or docere in Latin) is one of these six core principles.

Naturopathic doctors believe that an informed patient is ready to take an active role in the healing process. Naturopathic doctors work to explain each health concern you have and each approach that will be utilized to help address it. We aim to answer your questions so you can fully understand and participate in your therapeutic plan. This is not only to empower patients, but also to help with compliance.  If you don’t always follow your doctor’s instructions, you’re not alone. Studies show that non-compliance to doctor recommendations is widespread, and it can lead to ineffective treatment or further health concerns [1]. Non-compliance often stems from not having a clear understanding of the treatment plan and strategy. Many patients struggle to understand “doctor-speak,” and may not fully grasp clinical explanations and care directions [2].

Communication with patients is an essential element of working with any naturopathic doctor, and I personally take pride in clear communication and transparency. Because each patient is seen as an individual, not just a diagnosis, naturopathic doctors prioritize empathy, connection, and sharing of relevant information. In order to educate and inform patients adequately, NDs often spend one hour or more with patients in an initial appointment, compared to an average 20 minute appointment with a conventionally trained physician [3]. 

Educated patients who understand their treatment recommendations often have better success with treatment and feel more confident about their health care choices. Research shows that better communication and collaborative decision making between doctors and patients drives health care costs down [4].

Because of our focus on patient education and patient empowerment, naturopathic doctors are a good fit for individuals who are looking for a fresh perspective on preventive care and natural treatment options for improved health [5]. Whether you have a chronic disease, are looking for a second opinion, or want to optimize your health, you deserve to be heard, and to have a doctor that does their due diligence to educate you about all of your options.  

I am committed to patient education and offer free 10 minute consultations over the phone. During the consultation, we will go over any questions you may have and discuss how I can best serve you and your specific health concerns. I want you to feel confident and well-informed when choosing a health care provider. Give me a call today to schedule your free consultation: (952) 377-8450

#natmedweek2020

[1] Chesanow, Neil. “The Noncompliance Epidemic Why Are So Many Patients Noncompliant?” Medscape Log In, 16 Jan. 2014, www.medscape.com/viewarticle/818850.

[2] Jablow, Martha. “Say That Again? Teaching Physicians About Plain Language.” AAMCNews, 11 Oct. 2016, news.aamc.org/patient-care/article/say-again-teaching-physicians-about-plain-language/.

[3] Rothenberg, Amy. “Why Do Naturopathic Doctors Spend between One and Two Hours with Patients in an Appointment?” Naturopathic.org, 2017, www.naturopathic.org.

[4] Goozner, Merrill. “Patient Empowerment through Shared Decisions Can Lower Costs.” Modern Healthcare, 23 Jan. 2016, www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20160123/MAGAZINE/301239985.

[5] Naturopathic Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions
A service for consumers from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and the Institute for Natural Medicine (INM). The INM would like to acknowledge Amy Rothenberg, ND, and Allison Willette, RN, ND for their input on this FAQ.