What's the difference between naturopathic and functional medicine doctors?

We get asked all the time: what's the difference between an Naturopathic Doctor (ND or NMD) and a Functional Medicine Doctor (usually MD or DO). Here are some key similarities and differences: 

Naturopathic doctor (ND or NMD) 

Training & Credentials:

• Attended a 4-year accredited naturopathic medical school after undergraduate degree
• Some NDs complete 1-2 year clinical residencies (usually with an ND medical school clinic)
• Studied basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, etc) plus naturopathic modalities
• Passed board exams (NPLEX) to become licensed
• Licensed in 26 jurisdictions in the U.S. (including Arizona)
• Can prescribe medications in licensed states like Arizona
• Do not perform invasive surgeries or procedures 

Philosophy:

• Follows naturopathic principles: treat the whole person, identify root causes, "doctor as teacher," prevention-focused
• Follows standard of care but emphasizes natural therapies first when appropriate: nutrition, botanicals,  physical medicine, etc
• Will prescribe medications when appropriate

Scope:

• Primary care practitioners
• Can diagnose, order labs, prescribe treatments
• Often specialize (men's health, women's health, gut health, hormones, etc.)

Functional Medicine Doctor (MD, DO or other)

MD/DO Training & Credentials:

• MDs/DOs attend 4 years medical school followed by 3-7 year medical residency (longest for surgery) 
• MDs and DOs pass Board exams and are nationally licensed

• Functional Medicine Doctors tend to be MD or DO (DCs, NDs and other medical practitioners such as NP, PA, etc also can get certified)
• Practitioners complete additional training/certification through Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) or similar organization
• Not a specific medical degree—it's an approach or framework added to existing credentials

Philosophy:

• Focuses on identifying root causes of disease
• Views body as interconnected systems
• Heavy emphasis on detailed patient history, timeline analysis
• Uses advanced lab testing (gut health panels, hormones, genetics, toxins, etc.)

Scope:

• Depends on base credentials (MD can prescribe everything; ND scope varies by state)
• Often focuses on chronic complex conditions
• Uses both conventional medicine and natural therapies

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a Naturopathic Doctor or Functional Medicine Doctor?

Both share similar philosophies: identifying root causes, treating the whole person and providing individualized care for complex chronic conditions. Naturopathic Doctors start with holistic philosophy and offer non-invasive standard of care in licensed states. Functional Medicine Doctors (usually MDs/DO/DCs) start with conventional training and branch into holistic approaches. Your choice depends on your needs, location, insurance coverage, and whether you prefer a practitioner trained primarily in natural medicine versus conventional medicine enhanced with functional approaches. Both "go deep" with patients beyond standard algorithms.

Can I trust a Naturopathic Doctor? 

Yes. Naturopathic doctors are holistic practitioners you can trust. In Arizona, naturopathic doctors are licensed by a state medical board that sets strict rules for practice and provides patients with a recourse for concerns.

The Bottom Line 

Philosophically, both types of doctors tend to be on the same page; they just come at it differently. Both types of doctors tend to "go deep" with patients, often for more complex cases, and address one's individual needs vs, simply following drug and surgical algorithms. Naturopathic doctors start with this philosophy and in licensed states, offer standard of care that is non-invasive. MDs and DOs who offer functional medicine, start with the standard of care, sometimes as surgeons, and then branch out to provide more holistic, natural and individualized care.