How does a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) compare to a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Naturopathic Doctors have similar training in medical and clinical sciences (i.e. biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, differential diagnosis, etc.) though in addition, they have extensive training in a full spectrum of natural medicines and therapies with emphasis on diet and nutrition. NDs utilize the most natural, least invasive, and least toxic therapies as first-line treatment. Preventive medicine is of the utmost importance in their treatment philosophy. NDs spend more time with their patients to find the underlying causes of illness and to determine an integrative treatment plan. Blood chemistry and other diagnostic tools and tests are also utilized.