One of the naturopathic principles I use every day is “Docere.” This translates to “doctor as teacher”. I do my best to explain everything my patients need to know about each health condition, how I suggest we treat it, and answer any questions that come up. This is a crucial part of practicing my medicine and why I spend an average of an hour with each patient.
There is another side to this coin that I would like to acknowledge in today’s post. My patients teach me new things all of the time as well. I am very grateful for this as it helps me continue to grow as a doctor. Whether it is information about a rare condition, a treatment they tried that worked or didn’t work or a website or book that helped them, I am always learning new things from my patients that I can forward along to others experiencing similar conditions. So, to all of my patients, thank you! I am listening and I appreciate all you have to share.
Working with a naturopathic doctor is a dynamic relationship and communication is key. We treat each patient as an individual and are open to feedback. We have a solid medical education and are trained to manage all kinds of health issues as the natural medicine experts. That doesn’t mean we know everything, of course. No doctor or human is omniscient. It just doesn’t work that way. A good doctor effectively communicates what she knows while keeping an open mind to learning new things for the best possible care for each patient.
As naturopathic medicine grows as a medical field, you all have an opportunity to be a part of it. Supporting naturopathic doctors by establishing care as a patient, contacting your legislators in unlicensed states to let them know you benefit from naturopathic care or telling your friends about what it’s like to see an ND are all effective ways to get educated and teach others about naturopathic medicine- the natural health alternative. For more information, visit www.naturopathic.org.
In gratitude,
Margaret Philhower, ND
