Most medical doctors specialize in specific body systems, focusing on disease as it relates to their area of expertise. Often, the patient's illness becomes segmented into an organ system or specific disease and how the whole person is affected becomes less important. Naturopathic physicians are trained to focus on the whole person first rather than just the disease process. Within any group of patients with the same disease, for example multiple sclerosis, there will be symptoms which they have in common and those which are unique to the individual. It is these individual and unique symptoms, which the vital force is expressing, that allow the practitioner to individualize the treatment to aid the healing process. The treatment plan for each of the 10 people will have some common therapeutic modalities but also ones specific for the individual.

In certain cases stronger drug regimens are needed for a short period of time to give the body a rest. In these cases there is usually considerable pathology present which the body does not presently have the ability to overcome. Naturopathic doctors are thoroughly trained in drug therapy as well and because of such training may prescribe certain prescription drugs themselves or refer to the appropriate practitioner. Naturopathic physicians also are trained to understand the pathophysiology of the disease state and refer for specialized diagnostic testing or surgical procedures if it is warranted. Many naturopathic physicians enjoy referral relationships with practitioners of other medical disciplines.

The benefit to the patient becomes evident when you consider that by utilizing a naturopathic physician as your primary care doctor the patient gains the best of all forms of medicine. They gain the expertise of a physician trained in diagnosis and natural therapeutics who is fully familiar with the other disciplines of medicine. They benefit from being seen by a physician who is trained to view the whole person rather than a disease or organ system. Because of this multifaceted approach, practitioners integrate therapies which are best suited to the patient and their disease, and refer when necessary. Patients are the ultimate beneficiaries by becoming more involved with their health care, learning how to prevent disease, as well as receiving quality health care.