ND vs. DO
DOs are more simlar to MDs than NDs. They have similar medical school curriculums with the additon of musculoskeletal therapy and "whole person wellness" emphasis. Many DO's are primary care physicians, however, DOs are surgeons as well. So, while their philosophies may be different, at the end of the day, MDs and DOs vie for the same residency spots, practice the same conventional medicine and ultimately, in most cases, are equal partners unlike NDs.
NDs in California have licensing priveleges equivalent to chiropractors and physical therapists. This says something about how NDs are regarded. However, it's a growing and demanding field so in time, hopefully naturopathic medicine will be respected just as much as osteopathic medicine and allopathic medicine!
Hope this helps.