Re: Re: future of naturopathic medicine

I have been thinking very seriously of attending MD school-- especially as I have talked to many people (both MDs and NDs) and almost everyone has encouraged me in that direction.

It's just that I am really interested in natural therapeutics. When it comes to my own health, I always try to see if there are ways I can treat the problem without taking drugs. I spend hours searching through the internet, and hours at the natural foods stores looking through product lists (e.g. food, shampoos etc). I buy organic food, clothing, toiletries, etc. I'm genuinely interested in environmental medicine and the effects of chemicals in our food production. So I don't feel comfortable recommending toxic drugs to my patients, when I wouldn't take them myself, nor do I want a high-stress hectic practice that only gives me 10 minutes with each patient.

However, conversely, I don't want an education that is not evidence-based. I have serious doubts about modalities like homeopathy, and I am not sure about acupuncture. With my previous graduate education, I have been taught to look at methodological issues in scientific studies-- how are trials conducted etc that may contribute to efficacy. If I go to naturopathic school, I would highly expect to be taught both support and criticism for alternative therapeutics. If we aren't allowed to question the medicine and its efficacy in a scientific manner.... I will be seriously seriously unhappy. I have been writing the naturopathic schools about if the modalities are taught in an evidence-based discussion-oriented manner.... and all I get is no response.

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