Why an ND?

Why should I visit a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) when I have an MD?

Naturopathic medicine and Dr. Cutler are different in many ways:

• Naturopathic medicine is “the medicine of the future” NOW
• Dr. Cutler’s expertise is getting to the root cause, not just treating symptoms
• Dr. Cutler is on 4 medical boards including pediatrics
• Naturopathic doctors are THE world experts in natural medicine
• He trained under the top environmental medicine doctors in the country
• He has the most advanced training in genetic polymorphisms in Michigan
• He looks at the link between mental, emotional, physical, environmental
• He understands patients problems first hand, as he also suffered from illness
• He spends an hour with you and has that personal touch patients really need
• Dr. Cutler will find what other doctors never found with your health

What you must know about a Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Known as the experts in natural medicine, naturopathic doctors (NDs) integrate the ancient wisdom of nature with the modern research of science. NDs are medically trained as primary care physicians and undergo medical training that is similar in structure and scope to that of medical and osteopathic doctors. NDs complete an undergraduate degree in pre-medical science, followed by a four-year post-graduate program at one of the accredited medical schools for naturopathic medicine.

An ND’s rigorous academic curriculum incorporates training in the medical sciences that includes anatomy, physiology, immunology, histology, embryology, microbiology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. NDs are trained in clinical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, human pathology, pharmacology and clinical disciplines that include pediatrics, gynecology, endocrinology, rheumatology, oncology, dermatology, and gastroenterology.

Additionally, NDs are trained in naturopathic disciplines that include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle counseling. Therefore, it is important to validate that your naturopathic doctor is qualified and has graduated from an accredited medical school approved by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Instead of tearing off a prescription for a pharmaceutical to suppress a specific symptom, NDs explore the big picture: the physical, emotional, genetic, spiritual, environmental and social factors that affect overall health. While they do work to treat and alleviate symptoms, they primarily investigate and eliminate the underlying causes of illness, which are often the combination of factors such as, nutritional or biochemical dysfunctions, lifestyle, genetics, environmental toxins, as well as the mind, emotions, and beliefs.

A typical ND visit is over an hour, during which your current complaints, entire medical history, and lifestyle are examined. NDs take a holistic approach and often work to prevent illness by focusing on the human body’s ability to self-heal. NDs don’t just treat the diagnosis, they treat the individual.

No current health issue? The desire to prevent future health problems? Naturopathic medicine can still play an important role in optimizing your health. Whether it is improving your diet, your nutritional supplementation, preventing illness, or reducing the risk of diseases, naturopathic medicine can help you achieve these goals.

What is the difference between an ND and a Homeopath or Acupuncturist? 

Homeopaths and/or acupuncturists use only one modality to help an individual’s problem, whereas Naturopathic doctors use many modalities (including homeopathy and acupuncture), along with proper testing, to get to the root, and tailor a program for your individual health goals and needs. In addition, naturopathic doctors have eight years of extensive medical schooling, which helps to see the big picture of someone’s health and put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

What is the difference between an ND and a Holistic MD?

Instead of reading a few popular books on natural health or attending a weekend conference on nutrition, Naturopathic Physicians are medically trained from the “ground up” in natural medicine. An ND has the proper training to look at the bigger picture of an individual’s health, and then take that information, and use it in a protocol in the proper amount, combinations, and correct therapies, to ultimately lead to unparalleled health.

A holistic MD, for example, might still do five-minute patient visits and give you thyroid medication for your low thyroid, but Dr. Cutler will look beyond and see what is causing your thyroid to be low in the first place.

There are very few Licensed Naturopathic Doctors here in Michigan. Dr. Cutler is a Licensed ND and uses one of the widest range of therapies as well as testing methods to get to the root of the problem of illness.

Dr. Cutler specializes in integrative and naturopathic medicine with a strong emphasis in environmental medicine (how environmental toxins impact health). His passion and expertise are helping patients achieve optimal health while spending quality time (1-1.5 hours) with a new patient and performing specialty type labs as needed.

A personal note from Dr. Cutler…

“I’ve personally struggled with my own health issues, experienced two major surgeries and have been on my ‘deathbed’ twice. With these life changing experiences, I saw the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ in conventional medicine, which led me into a career as an ND and has enabled me to understand what my patients personally struggle with in regards to their own health.
In addition, most people do not realize that there are superior and safer options than symptom suppressing pharmaceuticals and a 5-minute doctor’s visit. One of those options for you could be a food sensitivity panel or a neurotransmitter panel that gives you the code into your unique biochemistry, as well as the map to achieve your individualized naturopathic plan for wellness and optimal health. Your body deserves a holistic approach in exploring the possible causes of illness while gently and safely giving your body the necessary tools to encourage natural healing from within.
Expect miracles!