Meet Your Health Care Team
A Naturopathic doctor attempts to investigate the underlying cause of disease and tailors an individual treatment toward this, rather than a treatment which suppresses symptoms. Naturopathic doctors also focus on disease prevention, self-care and strive to guide their patients towards optimal wellness. Naturopathic doctors will use a blend of centuries-old, natural, and safe therapies along with modern medicine to achieve this goal. Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians who order labs, perform physical exams, diagnose and treat disease. They consult, interact and refer to all branches of medicine when appropriate.
Your Physicians
Dr. Natalie Ham
Dr. Miriam Wheeler
Dr. Christina Erndl
Naturopathic Education
Naturopathic education is overseen by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education which has accredited four schools to provide this education in the United States. These schools are:
The medical profession requires that all graduates pass board exams to become licensed in their state to practice medicine. Naturopathic doctors are held to national standards of practice, peer review and continuing education.
All Naturopathic doctors receive education similar to traditional doctors in the diagnosis of disease. It is the investigation of the cause and the treatment of diseases that differ. Although each Naturopathic Doctor will be unique in how they focus their individual therapies, all are educated in: clinical nutrition, homeopathy, physical manipulation, environmental medicine, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, natural childbirth, pharmacology and minor surgical procedures.
There are six principles that define the ideals of naturopathic medicine and guide the therapeutic methods. These include:
First Do No Harm
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.
Discover and Treat the Cause
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
The Physician is a Teacher
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health.
The Healing Power of Nature
The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.
Treat the Whole Person
The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person, including the body and mind.
Prevention is the Best "Cure"
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.
