Mailbag: Discover What a Naturopathic Doctor Really Does
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 13, 2025
“What does the “ND” stand for? Is Dr. Olson a Medical Doctor?”
—Inquiring Mind
Hi Inquiring,
Great question! “ND” stands for Naturopathic Doctor. While I’m not an MD or Medical Doctor, I am a licensed healthcare professional with extensive medical training.
As an ND, I completed a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school after earning my bachelor’s.
My training included a comprehensive study of the same basic sciences as MDs—anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and pharmacology—along with clinical diagnosis and disease management.
My education differs from that of an MD in our treatment approaches.
While MDs typically focus on pharmaceutical interventions and surgery, NDs emphasize natural therapies and whole-person wellness.
My training included nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, physical medicine, and conventional medical diagnostics.
MDs and NDs are licensed physicians and healthcare providers who can order lab tests, perform physical exams, and diagnose medical conditions. However, our scope of practice varies by state, with some states offering broader prescribing rights to NDs than others.
As a licensed ND, I’ve met rigorous standards set by my state’s regulatory board for naturopathic medicine, including passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) and fulfilling continuing education requirements annually to maintain my license.
I chose naturopathic medicine because I believe in addressing the root causes of disease rather than just managing symptoms with drugs.
My own experience with a personal health crisis that left me in constant pain showed me firsthand how effective natural approaches can be when properly applied.
Many of my patients have NDs and MDs on their healthcare team, getting the best of both approaches. In fact, I regularly collaborate with medical doctors, referring patients when necessary for specialized care and receiving referrals from MDs who recognize the value of complementary approaches.
Naturopathic medicine may be particularly beneficial if you’re seeking solutions for chronic conditions that haven’t responded well to conventional treatments alone, are interested in addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms, or you want to take a more integrative approach to your health.
If you have more questions about naturopathic medicine or would like to learn how this approach might benefit your specific health concerns, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website is naturopathic.org.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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