Naturopathic doctors believe that disease is created from the body being out of balance.  A variety of factors can compromise the balance of the body.  Some examples could include environmental toxins disrupting the system, poor nutrition, or even spiritual and emotional imbalances.  Naturopathic doctors believe once the body is brought back to balance it is able to heal itself.

There are currently four accredited naturopathic medical schools in the United States.  Naturopathic doctors will attend one of these schools.  In addition to the basic science classes that conventional medical schools have, naturopathic medical students also attend classes in nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and other complementary modalities.

Naturopathic physicians have 6 basic principles:

1. Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): This is the fundamental belief of naturopathic medicine.  The naturopathic doctor should serve to guide the body back to balance and encourage the body's ability to heal itself.

2. Doctor as Teacher (Docere): The word doctor is derived from the latin word docere which means "to teach."  Naturopathic doctors believe that everyone should be responsible for their own health.  Naturopathic doctors teach their patients about how certain treatments, lifestyle choices, and disease processes can effect one's health in order for help the person take over their own health.

3. Prevent disease before it occur: Naturopathic doctors emphasize the importance of preventing diseases before they occur rather than waiting to get a disease and then treat it.

4. Heal the Whole Person (Physical, Mental, Spiritual): Naturopathic doctors believe that every aspect of the person's being is important to that person's health whether it be mind, body, or spirit.

5.  Identify and Treat the Cause of Disease: Naturopathic doctors believe it is important to find the root cause of the disease to truly eradicate the disease rather than simply treating the symptoms of the disease.

6. First Do No Harm:  Naturopathic doctor use a "therapeutic order" as an approach to treating a person in order to use the least harmful/invasive forms of treatment to start with and using more invasive techniques only if necessary.

Here is a non-extensive list of classes taken during Naturopathic Medical School:
Semester 1:
Embryology
Anatomy
Anatomy Lab
Histology
History of Naturopathic Medicine
Physician Heal Thyself
Research Methods/Statistics
Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine
Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Neuroscience
Living Anatomy/Palpation
Hydrotherapy
Introduction to Naturopathic Therapeutics
Skills of Communication
Botanical Medicine
Pathology
Clinical Diagnosis
Physical Exam
Lab Diagnosis
Public Health/Epidemiology
Immunology
Nutrition
Medical Genetics
Oriental Medicine
Physiologic Therapeutics
Homeopathy
Oriental Medicine
Orthopedic Assessment
Psychological Assessment
Clinical Education
Diagnostic Imaging
Clinical Forum
Gynecology
Gastroenterology
Naturopathic Manipulation
Counseling Skills
Mind-Body Medicine
Pharmacology
Pediatrics
Cardiology
Emergency Procedures
EENT
Neurology
Urology/Proctology
Endocrinology
Obstetrics
Environmental Medicine
Sports Medicine
Geriatrics
Oncology
Dermatology
Minor Surgery
Rheumatology
Medical Ethics
IV Therapeutics 

Disclaimer
Dr. Cole holds a license as a Naturopathic Physician in the state of Vermont and Massachusetts as New York state does not offer licensure for Naturopathic physicians.  In the state of New York, naturopathic medicine is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure for any disease, mental or physical, and is not intended as a substitute for regular medical care.  ​