naturopathydigest.com -- Letters to the Editor

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Letters to the Editor

A Few Thoughts About Naturopathic Medical Education

Dear Editor:
This is in regards to the editorial from the February 2007 issue of Naturopathy Digest ("A Few Thoughts About Naturopathic Medical Education").

The editorial claims that cauda equina syndrome, acute compartment syndrome and temporal arteritis are conditions that can be diagnosed and treated by naturopaths. Unfortunately, there are no data supporting these claims. The definitive diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome requires MR imaging. MR analysis is not within the scope of practice of a naturopath. The definitive treatment for cauda equina syndrome is surgery to decompress the spinal cord and affected nerve roots. Surgery is not within the scope of practice of a naturopath. Hence, cauda equina syndrome is not something a naturopath can definitively diagnose and treat.
The diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome requires a vascular ultrasound. Vascular ultrasound analysis is not within the scope of practice of a naturopath. The definitive treatment of acute compartment syndrome requires surgery. Surgery is not within the scope of practice of a naturopath. Hence, acute compartment syndrome is not something a naturopath can definitively diagnose and treat.
The definitive diagnoses of temporal arteritis requires a biopsy. Arterial biopsy is not within the scope of practice of a naturopath. The definitive treatment of temporal arteritis involves corticosteroids, and/or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Fewer than half the states that license naturopathy allow naturopaths to prescribe these drugs. Hence, temoral arteritis is not something a naturopath can definitively diagnose, and most cannot treat.
The sad irony is that by attempting to demonstrate the quality of medical education naturopaths receive, the editorial proves the extent at which naturopaths are unqualified in making commentary on medical education. Always remember the Bastyr motto: Botched applied science tarnishes your reputation.
Yours in health,
Bruce Klein, ND