Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) both employ holistic, evidence-based methodologies to assess and improve health, albeit in different contexts. NDs apply these principles to individual patient care, while the AANP uses them to evaluate the overall health of the naturopathic profession.
Just as NDs gather comprehensive data through patient histories, physical examinations and laboratory tests to identify the root causes of illness and promote wellness, the AANP collects diverse information through surveys, listening sessions, observations and dialogues with NDs across the United States. Both NDs and the AANP then interpret this collected data to develop a thorough understanding of the current state of health—whether it’s an individual patient or the profession as a whole. This systematic approach allows NDs to create personalized treatment plans that address underlying health issues, while enabling the AANP to identify trends, challenges and opportunities that shape the naturopathic medicine profession, ultimately guiding its growth and development.
In 2022, the AANP partnered with Kai Analytics, an established market researcher in the naturopathic medical field, to understand how licensed NDs were faring post-pandemic. We wanted to learn and better understand what were the shifts, if any, in the ND professional landscape, such as demographics, preferred modalities, business practices and income trends across career stages. The survey questions also delved into who seeks naturopathic care and why. The results (which you can view at https://naturopathic.org/page/MissionVision) provide the AANP with insight into how to best equip our physicians with relevant skills and knowledge, and how we can better advance the future of naturopathic medicine.
Before we get into presenting the data results, it is worth highlighting that while the pandemic had a real and lasting impact on many practices, the data shows naturopathic practices to be resilient. While the Current Population Summary indicated that the number of active business owners in the United States dropped from 15 million in February 2020 to 11.7 million in April 2020, with only a partial rebound by June 2020,1 the 2022 benchmarking survey revealed that over a third of respondents reported expanding their practices during the pandemic. In fact, in every career stage, the percentage of those whose practices expanded exceeded those whose practices contracted.
We categorized respondents into three groups: recent graduates (one to four years after graduation), mid-career NDs (five to 20 years after graduation), and later-career NDs. Forty-three percent of recent graduates reported their practice expanded, 20 percent reported no change, 24 percent stated their practice contracted, 7 percent changed modalities, one percent retired, and 17 percent indicated “other.”
Among mid-career NDs, 34 percent reported their practice expanded, 24 percent reported no change, 23 percent stated their practice contracted, three percent changed modalities, and 16 percent indicated “other.”
For later-career NDs, 36 percent reported their practice expanded post-pandemic, 26 percent reported no change, 25 percent stated their practice contracted, 1 percent changed modalities, 1 percent retired, and 9 percent indicated “other.”
Survey participants also provided their estimated gross income (including wages, dividends, capital gains and business income) related to naturopathic medicine. Respondents selected their answers from eight income ranges to reduce survey fatigue and address privacy concerns in smaller markets. While gross revenue doesn’t account for business expenses, it is considered a neutral data point that provides a clear and consistent measurement of income without the wide variations of business structure and practices inherent in professions that are largely self-employed.
From the data, the largest group of licensed NDs in full-time practice (22 percent) reported gross income between $90,001 and $120,000. Approximately 36 percent of respondents reported gross income less than this range, while 43 percent reported gross income of more than $120,001 annually. Gross income reports suggest a positive financial outlook, with many NDs achieving stable or increasing earnings despite the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic unequivocally posed unprecedented challenges for health care providers, including naturopathic doctors. However, the resilience and adaptability of NDs were clearly demonstrated in the survey results. Over a third of NDs reported expanding their practices during the pandemic, a testament to their ability to pivot and meet the evolving needs of their patients.
Telemedicine emerged as a critical tool during this period, allowing NDs to continue providing care despite lockdowns and social distancing measures. Many NDs incorporated virtual consultations into their practice models, enhancing accessibility and maintaining continuity of care. This adaptability not only sustained their practices but also opened new avenues for patient engagement which continue today.
Looking forward, the future of naturopathic medicine appears bright. The growing interest in naturopathic health solutions, coupled with an increasing awareness of the limitations of conventional medicine, positions naturopathic doctors as key players in the evolving health care landscape. The data suggests a continuing demand for naturopathic services, bolstered by growing awareness of the importance and power of preventive medicine sharpened by the pandemic.
Patients seek the care of licensed naturopathic doctors for various reasons, with the top concerns being gastroenterological issues, women’s health and aging, fatigue, endocrinology (excluding diabetes), and autoimmune disorders. NDs are uniquely equipped to address these complex health issues through an individualized and patient-centered approach that emphasizes the root causes of disease and personalized treatment plans. The survey also found, as expected, that the top modalities used by naturopathic doctors are clinical nutrition (including recommendations for supplements, which are used by 75 percent of Americans2), botanical medicine and lifestyle counseling. Pharmaceutical prescribing was the seventh most-used modality, even in states with broad prescribing rights, further illustrating the importance of naturopathic care as a solution to decrease overdependence on pharmaceuticals which contributes to the astronomically high costs of health care in the U.S.
As the health care industry continues to evolve, the role of licensed naturopathic doctors is likely to become even more significant. Their commitment to treating the root cause of illness, personalized patient care, and use of evidence-based natural therapies positions them as invaluable contributors to a more holistic and integrative approach to health and wellness. The data speaks for itself: naturopathic doctors are not just surviving; they are thriving and shaping a healthier future for all.
References:
1 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8009687/.
2 www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2022/10/13/CRN-supplement-survey-paints-the-landscape-of-a-vibrant-mainstream-industry.
Taryn Ernest is the communications director for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), the professional membership association advancing the recognition of licensed naturopathic physicians to transform access to whole health naturopathic medicine in the U.S. With more than eight years of dedicated service to the AANP, Ernest directs all communication efforts related to the association’s initiatives, events and advocacy, effectively engaging a diverse membership of licensed naturopathic doctors. Ernest brings a passion for impactful communication to her role, overseeing the association’s marketing and communications strategies. Her efforts have enhanced the visibility and reach of the naturopathic medical profession. Prior to joining the AANP, she gained valuable experience in advertising and marketing, equipping her with a well-rounded expertise in strategic communication and outreach.
