1. What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor and a naturopath?
Both believe in a philosophy of natural healing, though they differ in their level of training. A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine or Naturopathic Doctor is a graduate of an accredited, four-year, post-graduate naturopathic medical school with comprehensive training in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. A Naturopath is someone who believes in natural medicine and often has a certificate in natural healing though has not graduated from medical school.

2. What is a Homeopath?
A Homeopath is a practitioner who has been trained in Classical Homeopathy but has not attended a Naturopathic Medical School. Naturopathic Doctors use Homeopathy as one of many natural modalities under the broad umbrella of Naturopathic Medicine to treat the person in their care.

3. Describe the typical medical visit with a Naturopathic Doctor?

New Patient Information
Prior to your first visit, Dr. Schenck will send an information sheet to be filled out by the New Patient. It will involve a number of questions addressing diet, lifestyle, past medical history, and family medical history. Please take time to fill this out completely, for it is imperative to understanding the whole person and will greatly aid in the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.

One Time Free 15 Minute Consultation
Dr. Schenck allows a 15 minute consultation as a “Meet and Greet” opportunity for those curious about Naturopathic Medicine and wondering whether Naturopathic Medicine is beneficial for them. She will answer general questions, but will in no means make a diagnosis nor will she provide any form of treatment. This will be saved for an official first-office visit.

First Office Visit – 60 minute discussion of health concerns
This is your time to tell your story. Dr. Schenck will listen and encourage you to expound upon details of your medical symptoms and/or conditions and general daily life existence in a safe and relaxed medical environment. She may perform pertinent physical exam to further learn about your medical health. Dr. Schenck may or may not prescribe a treatment protocol during the first visit, for often, additional lab work and investigation is necessary prior to making a sound diagnosis. Due to the complexity of chronic health issues, it takes time, patience, and a strong commitment to resolve them.

Return Office Visit – 30 minute follow-up visit
Return office visits involve case management and further investigative strategies. They are a means of monitoring a person’s progress in the healing journey. As well, they are an opportunity for the development of individualized treatment protocols and hands-on therapies.

Home Visits
Dr. Schenck is willing to make home visits if you are unable to come to the doctor’s office. Please call to make special arrangements.

4. What is the required medical education and training to become a Naturopathic Doctor?
The medical education takes place at an accredited, four-year, medical institution, of which there are four in the United States. In addition, there are over 1500 hours of clinical training at a teaching naturopathic medical clinic. The following includes some of the required didactic course work.

Premedical Sciences – biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, psychology, genetics;

Basic Medical Sciences – anatomy, physiology, immunology, biochemistry, neuroanatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, infectious disease, pathology;

Diagnostic Medical Courses – clinical laboratory, physical examination, diagnostic imaging;

Clinical Medical Sciences – gastroenterology, gynecology, dermatology, endocrinology, cardiology, pulmonary medicine, HEENT, neurology, orthopedics, rheumatology, urology;

Natural Therapeutics – counseling, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, naturopathic manipulation, massage, hydrotherapy, environmental medicine, cell salts, flower essences, somatic therapy.

5. Is California a state that licenses Naturopathic Doctors?
As of January 1, 2004, the state of California is licensed for the practice of Naturopathic Medicine, as former Governor Gray Davis signed Bill SB907. This entitles doctors of Naturopathic Medicine who have graduated from a four-year accredited natural medical school and who have successfully passed the national board examination to legally practice Naturopathic Medicine in the state of California, including the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.


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