Naturopaths

Most naturopaths work in private or group practice, so advancement frequently depends on the physician's dedication to building a patient base. N.D.s in private practice need a general sense of how to run a successful business. They must promote their practices within the community and develop a network of contacts with conventional medical doctors or other alternative practitioners who may refer patients to them.

Some naturopaths advance by starting their own clinics with other naturopaths or with other alternative health practitioners. In any medical field, learning is lifelong, and many naturopaths derive a sense of professional satisfaction from keeping up on changes in allopathic medicine and in natural health research. A few very experienced N.D.s write textbooks or become professors at the accredited universities. With the growing government interest in research into natural health care, more naturopathic physicians will find opportunities for advancement as researchers.