This website exists to evaluate naturopathic medicine through the lens of current evidence and scientific practice. It is not a skeptic site per se; there are plenty of those. Nor is it devoted to (selectively) using current evidence and science to prove that naturopathy is true. The goal is to improve the ability of naturopathic medicine to provide safe, effective treatment to the patients it serves, not to destroy it or its practitioners.
I know many, many fine naturopathic doctors who vaccinate, and follow evidence-based standards of care. Many serve lower income populations, including in community health centers. These are not usually the individuals who are often featured on YouTube videos and blog posts. They are not selling spa treatments. They are typically paid less than MDs; those who are not covered by insurance often offer sliding scale. Others volunteer their services.
This site does not exist to target individual naturopathic doctors. If possible, issues will be referenced without discussing individuals, and focus solely on therapies, protocols, and underlying ideas. If that is not possible then what will be reported is the publicly available information. Leaked information, confidential conversations, and online forum postings will not be discussed here.
I would like to emphasize that while I raise concerns here about the profession at large, during my time at Bastyr as a clinical supervisor I did not learn of any actions that would have been illegal or unethical. Nor have I learned of any since leaving Bastyr. I was never asked to conceal information from students or others, and I was never asked to make inaccurate or misleading statements to others. And I did not witness any lapses in patient care. This was also true during my time as a student there. The colleagues that I practiced with at two other clinics were also ones that I was proud to be associated with.
I practiced naturopathic medicine as a licensed provider in Washington state. While I am no longer in practice, I remain grateful to the colleagues of many degrees – ND, MD, ARNP, DO, PA – who conferred, commiserated, celebrated, and helped me learn the art of medicine. Thank you for your companionship in the journey. To the patients that entrusted me with their care: Thank you for honoring me with your visits and your time. You were why I went into practice.
Les Witherspoon