The question I get asked the most
When I tell people I'm a naturopathic doctor, I usually get one of two reactions. Some people light up and tell me about their own ND. Others look a little confused and ask, "So... what do you actually do?"
Fair question. Some people even search for a "natural path doctor," which tells me the name itself isn't clear. There's a lot of mixed information out there, and some of it is outdated. So let's clear it up.
What is a naturopathic doctor?
A naturopathic doctor is a regulated health care provider trained in both conventional medical sciences and evidence-informed natural therapies. The focus is on finding what's driving your symptoms, not just covering them up.
I like to use a smoke alarm analogy. Your symptoms are the alarm. You can take the batteries out so it stops beeping, or you can go looking for the fire. Sometimes you need to do both. A big part of my job is helping find the fire.
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine blends medical training with tools like clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, botanical medicine and supplements. In Ontario, NDs with additional training can also give IV therapy and prescribe certain medications.
It's built on a few core ideas:
- Look at the whole person, not just one symptom
- Address root causes where possible
- Start with the least invasive option that's likely to work
- Teach patients so they understand their own health
How NDs are trained and regulated in Ontario
This is the part that surprises most people. To become a naturopathic doctor in Ontario, you need:
- An undergraduate university degree, including prerequisite sciences
- A four-year, full-time accredited naturopathic medical program
- Hands-on supervised clinical training
- Licensing exams before you can practise
That's about seven or more years of post-secondary education. Naturopathic doctors in Ontario are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) under the Naturopathy Act. That's the same kind of regulation that applies to other health professions in the province. It means standards of practice, continuing education requirements and a public complaints process.
What does a naturopathic doctor do day to day?
Here's what an ND can do in Ontario, depending on their training and authorizations:
- Take a full health history and do a physical exam
- Order lab tests, including many that aren't routinely run, like fasting insulin, ferritin and a full thyroid panel (specialized testing)
- Build a treatment plan using nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements and botanical medicine
- Give IV therapy and injections with additional certification (IV therapy and injections)
- Prescribe certain medications with additional prescribing authority
- Work with your other providers, including your family doctor, specialists and oncology team
I hold both IV therapy and prescribing authorization, which means I can offer things like IV iron and support thyroid care more fully.
What happens at a naturopath appointment?
At JOSIE, it starts with a free consult. It's a chance to see if we're a good fit before you commit to anything.
If we move forward, your first full appointment is a deep dive. We go through your health history, symptoms, medications, diet, sleep, stress and past labs. Most people tell me it's the first time someone has asked them about everything at once.
From there, I'll often recommend testing to fill in the gaps. At your follow-up, we review results together and build a plan. Plans change as you do, so follow-ups are where we track progress and adjust.
Since JOSIE is a virtual clinic, all of this happens from home, anywhere in Ontario. IV treatments are the one exception and are done in person.
Curious whether naturopathic care is right for you? Book a free consult and we'll talk through your goals.
What can a naturopath help with?
NDs work with a wide range of concerns. Many, like me, choose to focus on a few areas so they can go deeper. At JOSIE, my focus areas are:
- Thyroid health: Hashimoto's, Graves', hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nodules and thyroid cancer (thyroid health)
- Integrative cancer care: support before, during and after treatment, alongside your oncology team (integrative cancer care)
- IV nutrient therapy and IV iron: for people with low iron or who need nutrients beyond what pills can offer
Other common reasons people see an ND include fatigue, digestive concerns, hormone changes, insulin resistance and nutrient deficiencies.
Common myths about naturopathic doctors
"Naturopaths are against medication." Not true. I prescribe, and I'll also be the first to tell you when medication is the right call. Good naturopathic care is about using the right tool, not avoiding one.
"It's just supplements." Supplements are one tool. Most of my plans start with food, sleep, movement and testing. Often, the changes that help are about adding things in, like more protein and fibre, not cutting things out.
"You have to choose between an ND and your family doctor." You don't. The best results usually come when everyone works together.
When to see a naturopath
You might want to see a naturopathic doctor if:
- You've been told your labs are "normal" but you still don't feel well
- You want more time to talk through your health
- You'd like support alongside cancer treatment
- You're looking for a plan that's built around your results and your life
- You want someone to coordinate the bigger picture, from labs to nutrition to IV therapy
Benefits of naturopathy at JOSIE
JOSIE is a family name, and this work is personal to me. The care I want every patient to feel is simple: clear education, real time to ask questions and the confidence to take an active role in their health.
You'll pay for naturopathic care privately rather than through OHIP. In exchange, appointments run long enough to actually understand you, and your plan is shaped around your life. Many workplace benefit plans include an ND, and JOSIE direct bills most insurers for you. You can learn more on our naturopathic medicine page or about me.
The bottom line
A naturopathic doctor is a regulated, extensively trained part of your health care team. If you want more time, a closer look at your labs and a plan built around you, an ND can be a good fit.
