Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians - VANP

05/10/2026

You've spent this week learning what naturopathic medicine can do. 🌿

Now comes the best part: Finding the right ND for you.

A licensed naturopathic doctor can be a genuine partner in your health:

Someone who takes the time to listen, looks at your whole picture, and builds a care plan designed around your life and your goals. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, looking to get ahead of potential health issues, or simply wanting healthcare that goes deeper, an ND could be exactly what you've been looking for.

A few things to keep in mind as you search:

💚 Look for a licensed ND: Someone who has completed an accredited four-year medical program, fulfilled hands-on clinical training, and passed the NPLEX board exams. This credential matters.
💚 Don't be discouraged if there isn't an ND right in your backyard. Many NDs offer remote and video appointments, making this kind of care more accessible than ever.
💚 Ready to start? The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians maintains a searchable database of licensed NDs across the country: bit.ly/FindAnND

Your health deserves a provider who truly sees you. We hope this week has brought you one step closer to finding them. 🌿

05/08/2026

🌿No two patients are the same. So why should their treatment plans be?

Individualized care isn't a new concept for naturopathic doctors: It's been central to how they practice from the very beginning. When you see an ND, your appointment isn't built around a checklist or a standard protocol. It's built around you.

That means your ND is taking into account the full picture:

💚 Your physical symptoms and health history
💚 Your emotional and mental well-being
💚 Your environment and lifestyle
💚 Your genetic predispositions
💚 Your personal health goals and preferences

The result is a treatment plan designed specifically for where you are right now and where you want to be. Not a one-size-fits-all prescription, but a personalized roadmap to lasting wellness.

At your first visit, you'll spend an hour or more with your ND because truly understanding a person takes time. That investment at the start is what makes everything that follows more effective.

Healthcare that sees the whole you, and treats you accordingly. That's naturopathic medicine.

🌿Learn more: https://bit.ly/4s49CKZ

05/08/2026

Ever wonder what it actually takes to become a naturopathic doctor? 🎓🌿

The path to becoming an ND is a demanding one. It starts with a bachelor's degree and pre-med coursework, followed by a four-year, in-residence medical program with a minimum of 4,100 hours of classroom and clinical training. Online degrees aren't accepted, because hands-on experience isn't optional.

The curriculum covers the same biomedical sciences you'd expect from any medical program: Anatomy, biochemistry, diagnostic sciences, evidence-based medicine, plus four years of specialized training in:

💚 Clinical nutrition
💚 Botanical medicine
💚 Acupuncture
💚 Homeopathic medicine
💚 Physical medicine
💚 Counseling

By their third and fourth years, ND students are already diagnosing and treating patients in clinical settings and many schools are now introducing that hands-on experience even earlier.

After graduation, NDs must pass the NPLEX, a rigorous two-part licensing exam, before they can practice. Licensure is currently available in 26 U.S. jurisdictions — with more states working toward it.

NDs can also specialize in areas like oncology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and psychiatry, bringing whole-person care to focused areas of medicine.

Thoroughly trained. Comprehensively prepared. 🌿Learn more: https://bit.ly/NDedu26

05/07/2026

When you're looking for a naturopathic doctor, one word makes all the difference: licensed. 🌿

Currently, 26 U.S. jurisdictions have laws regulating the practice of naturopathic medicine and efforts to expand licensure to more states are ongoing. That's important, because licensure isn't just a formality. It's a meaningful safeguard for patients.

Here's something many people don't know: the titles "naturopathic doctor" and "naturopath" are sometimes used interchangeably but they are not the same thing.

A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND):

✅ Graduated from an accredited, four-year, in-residence naturopathic medical school
✅ Completed a minimum of 4,100 hours of class and clinical training
✅ Passed the NPLEX, a rigorous two-part national board exam
✅ Is regulated by a state licensing board
✅ Carries malpractice insurance and fulfills continuing education requirements
✅ Can order blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and in many states, prescribe medications and perform minor procedures

An unlicensed naturopath, by contrast, may have widely varying levels of education, often through online or correspondence programs that are not accredited and do not qualify for the NPLEX or state licensure.

Knowing the difference helps you find the most qualified provider for your care, and that's something we're committed to making easier.

Expanding licensure. Raising standards. Connecting patients with the right doctors. That's what Naturopathic Medicine Week is all about. 🌿

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4sEoCPt

05/07/2026

What if your treatment plan actually got you better instead of just managing your symptoms indefinitely? 🌿

That's standard at the heart of naturopathic medicine. Rather than layering treatments onto symptoms, NDs dig deeper to find what's actually driving your health challenges. Think lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, genetic factors, or something that's gone unidentified for years.

Consider something as common as high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. Conventional approaches often result in prescriptions that patients take for the rest of their lives. But when the root cause is poor diet or lack of exercise, addressing those factors directly can reduce or even eliminate the need for long-term medication, saving patients money, side effects, and the cycle of repeated treatments that never quite solve the problem.

NDs call this principle "treat the cause," and it shapes everything about how they practice. By removing the obstacles standing between you and real health, the body can do what it's remarkably good at: healing itself.

The result isn't just symptom relief. It's lasting recovery, a deeper understanding of your own body, and the confidence to stay well. 🌿

When you know the why behind your health challenges, you have real power to change them. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4sJJO6T

05/07/2026

Naturopathic Medicine Week is this week. What do you know about NDs?

Naturopathic Medicine Week kicks off today and we're diving in! 🌿

Naturopathic medicine goes beyond treating isolated symptoms. NDs look at the whole you: Your physical health, your mental and emotional well-being, your lifestyle, and everything in between — to find what's really driving your health challenges.

And the people who seek out this kind of care? They're dealing with some of the most common health concerns out there:

💚 Gastrointestinal disorders
💚 Women's health
💚 Fatigue
💚 Hormone imbalances
💚 Mental health
💚 Chronic pain

Sound familiar? You're not alone and you don't have to keep managing symptoms without real answers.

All week, we'll be exploring what naturopathic medicine has to offer: The training behind the practice, the issues shaping the field, and how to find the most qualified ND for your care.

Follow along. This week is for you.

🌿Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NnCQ8y

04/21/2025

This week NDs head to DC for the Federal Legislative Initiative. Help us out by either calling or writing your Senators and Representatives to let them know how important it is to get federal recognition for NDs and to get Medicaid and Medicare coverage.

If you want to contact them directly, Vermont's Senators sit on key committees to make this change and it would be wonderful if you could let them know your naturopathic medical story.

Sen. Peter Welch:
Phone: (202) 224-4242
Email form: https://www.welch.senate.gov/email-peter/ -peter
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Phone: (202) 224-5141
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/contact/contact-form/

Otherwise, you can use the AANPs form to send a letter that you can personalize.

https://naturopathic.org/general/custom.asp?page=LegislativeActionCenter #/136

Founded in 1985, the AANP represents licensed naturopathic doctors, students, and allied healthcare professionals nationwide.

04/15/2025

Support the Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians (VANP)

For nearly 40 years, naturopathic doctors (NDs) have been providing essential healthcare services to Vermonters. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians (VANP), NDs in our state have gained licensure, insurance parity, and an incredible scope of practice all of which allow us to serve our patients with the highest standard of care.

But our work is far from over.

Why Your Support Matters:

The VANP plays a critical role in protecting and expanding naturopathic medicine in Vermont. We actively monitor and advocate for legislation that impacts our ability to practice, ensuring that NDs can continue providing safe, effective, and accessible healthcare.

Most recently, through strategic lobbying efforts, we successfully passed legislation granting NDs the ability to sign birth and death certificates, a crucial step in recognizing our role in the healthcare system.

Now, we have new legislative goals that will further strengthen and expand the impact of naturopathic medicine in Vermont. However, achieving these goals comes with significant financial costs, including lobbying, legal efforts, and advocacy work.

How You Can Help

Your contribution will help us:

1) Continue lobbying for laws that protect and expand naturopathic medicine

2) Ensure NDs maintain and grow their scope of practice

3) Support initiatives that make naturopathic care more accessible

4) Strengthen the presence of naturopathic medicine in Vermont healthcare system

By donating today, you are directly investing in the future of naturopathic medicine in Vermont ensuring that NDs can continue to provide high-quality, holistic care for generations to come.

Join Us in This Mission

We deeply appreciate any amount you can contribute. Every dollar makes a difference in protecting and advancing the profession we love.

Thank you for standing with us and supporting the VANP!

04/07/2025

Legislative Action Alert!! Bill H75, An act relating to clinician participation in patient choice at end of life and DNR/COLST order


The House Health Care Committee will be considering bills to take action on the 2nd half of the session. Now is the time to reach out to House Health Care Committee members and impress upon them the importance of taking up, H75 An act relating to clinician participation in patient choice at end of life and DNR/COLST order this session.



The main aspects and implications of Bill H.75, focusing on the expansion of clinician roles, patient rights, legal protections, and the use of telemedicine in end-of-life care:



Expansion of Clinician Participation:

The bill authorizes naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to participate in Vermont’s patient choice at end-of-life laws.
Naturopathic physicians are now permitted to sign and issue do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and clinician orders for life-sustaining treatment (COLST).
Patient Choice at End of Life:

The bill outlines the process for patients with terminal conditions to request medication to hasten their death.
It includes requirements for oral and written requests, medical evaluations, and documentation to ensure informed and voluntary decisions.
Telemedicine:

The bill allows for the use of telemedicine in making requests and consultations, provided it is deemed clinically appropriate by the clinician.
Immunity and Liability:

Clinicians are protected from civil or criminal liability and professional disciplinary action when acting in good faith compliance with the bill’s provisions.
The bill does not limit liability for gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
Health Care Facility Policies:

Health care facilities can prohibit clinicians from prescribing lethal medication for use on their premises if they notify the clinician in writing of their policy.
Insurance Protections:

Life insurance benefits cannot be denied for actions taken in accordance with the bill.
Medical malpractice insurance policies cannot be affected by a clinician’s participation or non-participation in the provisions of the bill.
Prohibition of Active Euthanasia:

The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize lethal injection, mercy killing, or active euthanasia.
Effective Date: The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025





Please contact committee members (and Cc your own State Rep.) as soon as possible and ask them to please take up H.75 this session. Please share any noteworthy comments.



House Health Care

Rep. Alyssa Black (D) Chair, Chittenden-24, PO Box 9141, Essex, VT 05451 [email protected] / [email protected] (802) 598-1026

Rep. Francis McFaun (R) Vice Chair, Washington-Orange, 97 Sunset Rd., Barre Town, VT 05641 (802) 479-9843 [email protected] / [email protected]

Rep. Daisy Berbeco, Ranking Member (D) Chittenden-21, PO Box 381, Winooski, VT 05404 [email protected]

Rep. Brian Cina (P/D) Chittenden-15, 12 ½ Isham St., Burlington, VT 05401 [email protected]

Rep. Mari Cordes (D) Addison-4, (802) 989-9267 21 Main Street, C, Bristol, VT 05443 [email protected]

Rep. Wendy Critchlow (D) Chittenden-19, 435 Colonial Drive, Colchester, VT 05446, (802) 999-3707, [email protected]

Rep. Allen "Penny" Demar (R) Franklin-7, PO Box 31, Enosburgh, VT 0545 (802) 393-2493 [email protected]

Rep. Leslie Goldman (D) Windham-3, 570 ROCKINGHAM HILL RD, Rockingham, VT 05101 [email protected]

Rep. Lori Houghton (D) Chittenden-22, 40 School Street, Essex Junction, VT 05451 (802) 373-0599, [email protected]

Rep. Woodman Page (R) Orleans-2, 299 HIGHLAND AVE, Newport City, VT 05855, (802) 334-6988 [email protected]

Rep. Debra Powers (R) Caledonia-1, 1011 HIGH RIDGE RD, Waterford, VT 05810 (802) 535-6661 [email protected]

Kristen Varin, Committee Assistant [email protected]

02/25/2025

VANP members: attending this virtual conference not only gets you 14 CE including 3 Pharm CE, but also 50% of the cost of the conference is donated to the VANP.

Check your email for more info!

Register for the 2025 Annual Restorative Medicine Conference with early bird pricing.

02/23/2025

The Executive Board is back in charge of communications with members so check your inboxes or renew your memberships. We have instituted grand rounds in which active members and other professionals present tips to help us all care for our patients. These events are free for members only.

The first 3 events are:

🩺 Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Mood Disorders

🩺 Ehlers Danlos & Hypermobility: How to recognize it & support your patient

🩺 Clinical Pearls for Naturopathic Management of Lyme

https://vtanp.com/payments/