In the United States, naturopathic physicians are licensed and regulated in some states as primary care physicians. To become a licensed naturopathic physician in the U.S., individuals must complete a four-year doctoral program at an accredited naturopathic medical school, pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX), and meet other state-specific licensing requirements.
Naturopathic physicians in the U.S. receive extensive training in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, and they are often able to prescribe medications, order laboratory tests, and diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions.
While the acceptance and recognition of naturopathic medicine and its practitioners vary among individuals and healthcare systems, there has been a growing interest in integrative and natural medicine in recent years. Many patients seek out naturopathic physicians for alternative treatments and a more holistic approach to healthcare.
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) have funded research into natural therapies and complementary medicine, which has contributed to the acceptance and recognition of naturopathic medicine in the U.S.
Overall, naturopathic medicine and its practitioners are generally accepted and recognized in the U.S. in states where they are licensed, although opinions and attitudes towards natural medicine can vary among healthcare professionals and the general public.
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