In the current allopathic medical model, patient visits are short with very little time for questions and discussion. Patients may feel unheard, rushed, and disempowered. This is what I call “passive medicine,” because the patient plays almost no active role in the healing process.

Naturopathic doctors act as a catalyst for change and hope, educating patients how to eat, exercise, relax and nurture themselves physically and emotionally. This can be achieved in an office visit, group nutrition workshops, and group medical visits with the support of others with similar conditions.  

The role of the naturopathic doctor is to fulfill the original meaning of the word doctor.  The word “Doctor” is derived from the Latin word “docere,” which means “to teach”.  Docere is a guiding principle of naturopathic medicine that we prioritize with every patient interaction. The process of education shifts the role of participation back to the patients so they can play an ACTIVE role and take back control of their own health.

The concept of Doctor as Teacher is really about shifting the balance of power back to the patient. Patient empowerment creates long-term sustainable change, leading to better health.