When I practiced in Connecticut, I was licensed as a Naturopathic Physician.
I belonged to both my state and national organizations – the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
When I moved to California and became licensed here I continued my membership in the national organization the AANP and joined the state association, the California Naturopathic Doctors Association.
I was surprised to find that I could refer to myself as a Naturopathic Doctor, not as a Naturopathic Physician. This concession in terms was a requirement to get our licensing law.
In the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the US Department of Labor we find this description of what a physician does:
What Physicians and Surgeons Do
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
The description of what a physician does is exactly what Naturopathic Doctors do. In addition the emphasis on diet and preventive health care is at the forefront of a Naturopathic practice!
Our official job title–doctor or physician–will depend on what state a graduate of an accredited Naturopathic college is practicing in.
Regardless of the title, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor/Physician will provide you with the highest standard of care.