In Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are considered primary health care providers. ND’s must be registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), the regulating body that ensures safe and ethical care is provided to patients.

Naturopathic doctors are trained to assess patients in primary care settings, to interpret the results of assessment, and provide treatment options. ND’s are also trained to recognize conditions that fall outside of their scope of practice, so when pharmaceuticals, more invasive investigations or treatments are necessary, they will direct patients to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario receive comprehensive training in order to become registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario to practice. There are 6 accredited programs offered in North America. The programs last four years, during which NDs study anatomy, biochemistry, pathophysiology, public health and therapeutic options. In addition to the holistic modalities Naturopathic Doctors use, such as lifestyle counselling and acupuncture, they are also educated in pharmaceuticals to ensure no interactions exist between naturopathic therapies and prescribed medications. As part of their registration process, Naturopathic Doctors must pass entry-to-practice exams in order to be registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. This ensures that Naturopathic Doctors have a wide scope of knowledge from which to help you on your journey to better health.

Naturopathic Doctors are equipped to support patients with a variety of concerns. Some examples of patients NDs will see are the following:

Patient suffering from chronic illness’ or vague symptoms and have not yet found long term solutions for their concerns. Examples:

• Someone suffering with daily headaches

Patients who want to be proactive about their health. Examples:

• Am I eating properly?

• I have a family history of heart disease, what can I do?

• Are there health risks that I should be monitoring for at this age?

Patients who experienced a physically and/or emotionally traumatic event looking for support to get back on track. Example:

• I am in cancer remission but I just don’t feel like myself again. What do I do?

Patients looking for routine physical exams and lab testing with result interpretation.

There are many difference between Family Doctors and Naturopathic Doctors. Here are some of the most important differences to acknowledge:

Family Doctors are Medical Doctors regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) while Naturopathic Doctors are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).

Given the current burden on the healthcare system, Family Doctors only have a limited amount of time to spend with each patient. Appointments with ND’s are longer (sometimes as long as 2 hours). Often, you as the patient are able to choose the length of your appointments with your ND.

OHIP covers appointments with your Family Doctor, it does not cover appointments with your ND.

Family Doctors are able to refer patients directly to specialists. ND’s can provide medical advice to see your family doctor or present to the emergency room, but cannot refer you directly to specialists.

Family Doctors are able to prescribe medications. ND’s who have successfully completed the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics exam will be considered to have met the Standard of Practice for Prescribing and will have the authority to access, use, prescribe and administer a specific list of drugs and substances.

Myth - All ND’s want to do is sell you supplements to make more money.

Fact - In Ontario, ND’s are required to disclose any conflicts of interest. If an ND stands to gain financially, personally or professionally from supplement sales to patients, this information MUST be disclosed.

Myth - Naturopathic Doctors pose a threat to the public as they may try to treat serious conditions with natural therapies.

Fact - Naturopathic Doctors are trained to evaluate patients for urgent or emergent conditions. These conditions do not fall within the scope of practice of ND’s and it is a legal obligation to direct patients to the appropriate designated health care professionals or institution (ex - Hospital, Walk in clinic, Medical Doctor, Registered Nurse…).

Myth - Naturopathic Doctors are “anti-medicine”.

Fact - ND’s cannot be viewed as “anti-medicine” as part of their obligation to patients is referring serious conditions to the appropriate healthcare providers for treatment which often includes pharmaceuticals. If your condition has the potential to be life threatening without proper interventions such as surgery, medications and/or advanced medical procedures, ND’s are required to advise that you seek out the support of the appropriate healthcare providers to get the care you need.

CONO - Conflict of Interest

CONO - Scope of Practice