Increase in Licensed Naturopaths Could Be Related to Consumer Dissatisfaction with Traditional Medicine

The Wall Street Journal on Aug. 22 examines the increasing number of states that are allowing naturopathic doctors -- who do not receive traditional medical degrees and use vitamins, herbs and "natural treatments" to care for patients -- to prescribe drugs and perform procedures typically reserved for medical doctors, such as minor surgery and childbirth. The Journal reports that the growing prevalence of naturopaths "reflects increasing frustration with conventional medicine." For example, half of cancer patients have used alternative therapies, and sales of dietary supplements have increased 28% over the past five years. Hospitals also are beginning to use naturopathic doctors along with medical doctors; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of New York and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston have integrated their facilities with naturopaths. In response to the increasing popularity, 12 states now license naturopaths, and seven additional states are considering legislation that would allow licensing. The Journal reports that states are creating special boards, typically consisting of naturopaths and sometimes medical doctors, to license naturopaths. To obtain a license in some states, naturopaths must graduate from a four-year naturopathic school, pass a licensing exam and undergo continuing training. "We are well-suited to anything short of emergency room trauma and sophisticated surgical procedures," Michael Traub, president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, said. Despite the growing prominence of naturopaths, the Journal reports the practice remains controversial. While some doctors says naturopaths should "complement" the health care system, state medical associations have attempted to block licensing efforts, and critics say that naturopathic medical schools do not prepare students to recognize the difference between medial emergencies and minor problems. "Naturopaths should not be the coordinator of care," Richard Roberts, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said, adding, "There's a world of difference [compared with physicians] in terms of training, the ongoing education, the day-to-day work. It is like having the flight attendants fly the plane" (Petersen, Wall Street Journal, 8/22).