Joshua Rubinstein, ND, explains how naturopathic medicine programs blend science and natural care to prepare future doctors for whole-person health.
By Kim Smart
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Naturopathic medicine blends scientific training with natural, whole-person care to help patients address the root causes of illness.
- Strong naturopathic medicine programs combine rigorous coursework with extensive clinical experience to prepare students for licensure and practice.
- Graduates can pursue flexible careers in primary care, research, education, and integrative health settings.
Joshua Rubinstein, ND, associate dean of Clinical Education, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at University of Western States, describes naturopathic medicine as a gentler form of medicine. “We’re excellent primary care providers,” he says. “We have so many tools and methods that, most of the time, are going to be gentler on the body. This can be especially helpful with patients’ long-term health goals.”
Naturopaths train on the foundations of health and in taking time to understand a patient’s diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, and how they handle stress. When a patient makes changes in these areas, they often resolve many of their issues. Using both holistic practices and evidence-based research, naturopathic doctors connect emerging evidence with clinical practice, focusing on root causes of illness rather than just symptoms.
1. Why do future doctors choose naturopathic medicine over conventional medicine?
Naturopathic medicine attracts students who want to treat the whole person with natural, science-based primary care.
Naturopathic medicine is well suited for both doctors and patients looking for a more natural and individualized health care experience. “I think medicine, in general, aspires to treat the individual,” Dr. Rubinstein says,” but I feel like naturopathic medicine really excels at that, partly because we have so many different ways of working with that individual.”
“Naturopathic doctors have a comprehensive ability to address a problem, especially chronic conditions,” Dr. Rubinstein adds. “We have the training to put that primary care hat on.” An ND sees everyone from infants to the elderly with visits that are typically much longer than those in conventional medicine. This allows doctors and patients to develop a deeper and more trusted relationship.
2. What should prospective students look for in a top naturopathic medicine school or program?
Choose programs with expert faculty, strong clinical training, functional medicine, and accreditation.
Dr. Rubinstein recommends a program with instructors who’ve practiced naturopathy before, one that offers good clinical experience, and one that teaches students how to safely prescribe both botanicals and pharmaceuticals.
Learning functional medicine in naturopathy is also essential. “Functional medicine is woven into our naturopathy doctoral program, which sets our program apart from most.” Rubinstein explained. “Students learn to use evidence-based research to deliver specific protocols for a given condition. This gives our graduates confidence to go right into practice with the ability to address a wide variety of different concerns, knowing a protocol is backed by science. Then, as they gain clinical experience, they can diversify and try varied approaches.”
Courses that focus on entrepreneurial and business practices are important for preparing you to have your own practice. And accreditation is essential for those who want to get licensed and practice as a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Rubinstein says UWS currently has candidacy status and hopes to take the last step in accreditation by the end of 2026.
3. How rigorous is naturopathic medical school, and what should students expect academically?
Expect a rigorous, science-based curriculum focused on anatomy, biology, chemistry, and clinical skills.
You should expect a naturopathic program to be rigorous, so a good science foundation will help prepare you. Admissions for naturopathic medicine tend to be similar across programs, typically requiring a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, and specific prerequisite science courses like biology and chemistry with labs.
“I love to encourage folks to take anatomy before they come here as well, because gross anatomy is part of that first-year push,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “That background helps you start on the right foot, because it’s a lot of memorization and the more familiar you are with a topic like that, the easier it’s going to be.”
Skills and coursework needed for ND programs may vary from school to school, but at University of Western States, you’ll have courses in the following areas:
- Philosophy and principles of naturopathic medicine
- Basic sciences
- Foundations of functional medicine
- Clinical, physical and laboratory diagnosis
- Environmental medicine
- Therapeutic modalities including nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, minor surgery, mind-body medicine, stress reduction therapies, injections and intravenous therapy and physical therapeutic procedures and modalities, including articular joint mobilization and manipulation, myofascial and soft tissue therapy.
4. How much clinical and hands-on experience will students get in a naturopathic medicine program?
Students complete more than 1,250 hours of supervised training with diverse patients in real clinics.
Anyone working toward a naturopathic medicine degree needs clinical experience, with an average of 1,100-1,200 hours of hands-on clinical training.
“Students get a lot of clinical experience here at [University of] Western States. We have a no-cost naturopathic medical clinic that allows us to see a wide diversity of income levels and people of different backgrounds who may not otherwise have access to naturopathic medicine,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “We also are in the process of establishing some different off-site clinical shifts that also will expand our ability to work with different communities in the greater Portland area.”
During your clinical rotations, you’ll see patients under the direction of a supervisor who consults on your diagnoses and suggested treatment plans.
5. What skills and qualities help students succeed in naturopathic medicine?
Curiosity, empathy, organization, and communication skills drive success in naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Rubinstein mentions several indicators of success, starting with a strong academic background, especially in the sciences, and good organizational skills. “You have a tremendous amount of information to learn, so how do you effectively study it? How do you effectively organize the material so you can pull it up for reference later?”
You should also demonstrate a strong interest in natural medicine and possess qualities like empathy and curiosity. “A natural curiosity about the world and the body and how things work is essential,” he says. “Rather than just prescribing something, we really do aspire to understand the underlying physiology and the best ways we can help each patient.”
Good communication skills and a strong ability to connect with people are also important in naturopathic medicine. That’s because patient-centered care means you’ll be helping people feel safe and supported, as well as helping them clarify their objectives and goals.
“The best naturopaths are the ones who’ve been doing their own work on themselves, trying to figure out where their growing edge is,” he adds. “That’s because as you become more and more comfortable with yourself, you can be more present for your patient and really separate their issues from your own.”
Lastly, being comfortable promoting yourself and talking about naturopathic medicine goes a long way toward future success and happiness. “Those who succeed in their careers have a vision for how they want to practice,” he says.
6. What career paths and job opportunities can graduates pursue with a naturopathic medicine degree?
Graduates enter private practice, research, teaching, or public health with flexibility and independence.
The naturopathic doctor career path is wide and varied. “You really can chart your own path,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “Many of our graduates go into private practice, which allows you to determine how you practice, the hours you keep, and where you work. Those are all things you have a lot of freedom to decide for yourself.”
But there’s also much more beyond clinical practice. There are also academic roles, research, entrepreneurship, consulting, and public health, with positions in integrative clinics, hospitals, universities and various healthcare organizations.
“Part of what I love about it is that you’re never going to be bored in your career as a naturopathic doctor,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “There are always new modalities and ways to apply older ideas in a new and novel way, so you’ll never you’ll never run out of things to study and learn as a naturopathic doctor throughout your career.”
“I encourage all folks thinking about applying to our program to go talk to some practicing naturopathic doctors to hear what it’s like to be in practice and get some perspectives. And talk to more than one, because again, there’s a lot of diversity within our profression.” Then he added, “Go see a naturopathic doctor as a patient, too.”
Learn more about earning your naturopathic medicine degree
Ready to take the next step toward becoming a naturopathic doctor? Complete the short form below to connect with University of Western States and learn more about the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Discover how UWS combines evidence-based science and natural, whole-person care to prepare future doctors for licensure and meaningful careers in integrative health.