What crazy comments? And what therapies are you unconvinced about? I assume you mean NCNM right, I don't remember their full name.

Just playing Devil's advocate, what so wrong with NDs prescribing meds ?
if they are trained to do so, and have proper classes in pathology, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology, at least this is better than MDs trying to be "alternative" or holistic after taking an online nutrition or homeopathy course....

One can argue that MDs should then ONLY stick to medicine, yet we see more and more MDs getting "quickies" trainining in "holistic medicine" or "integrative medicine" or even "functional medicine", and lets not mention a 200hrs course in "acupuncture" and now the MD is all in one / or one stop shop ???

Where is the logic in that ??

Cheers

__________________
UHSA-DOC
UHSA, School of Medicine, Alumni
ECFMG Certified, Family Physician
My Moto: "Studying Medicine is living 8 years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't"

I would just like to comment on what UHSADOC said. Does it really matter if an MD gets training in natural med courses or an ND gets training in conventional med?

The point is......how to best help the patient. If any health professional is searching for a way to help a patient, then it is up to that health professional to have the right to choose how to best help them. I can't believe how many of the comments on this site just lash out and condemn one health professional over another. Please, never lose site of what your goal is here as a doctor. Does it really matter how we may help save a life? A herb? Chemo? Drug Trial? Lifestyle change? Really, the point is that we, as a whole, can provide several solutions to a health problem. We can listen to a patient speak. We can take in all pertinent information. Assess where necessary. And then provide a treatment plan. I encourage all of you to explore all possible treatment options. Even those that may reach beyond your comfort zone. Reaching beyond what your beliefs and experiences are only helps you expand as a physician.

I have personally seen miraculous healing with herbs....and likewise with antibiotics. I am proud to know that both forms of medicine exist. Do I turn away a patient who is on chemo to treat their cancer? Absolutely not! It is my job to honor the choice of my patient and support them where possible. Do I feel a sense of pride when my patient returns with stronger liver and kidney function tests while undergoing chemo and natural medicine treatment? Absolutely!!!!!

I know some day that each one of us will cross the path of a patient who does not want to follow conventional medical treatment procedures. It is up to us to decide how to support such a patient without bias. Remember, if you were the patient, what treatment would you want your doctor to offer?

Never forget that the person on the other end of the diagnosis is in fact a person. A person with a life, job, family, hopes and dreams. Your job is to ensure they get the best medical care so they can continue to strive to live the best life possible.

First Do No Harm......