To the editor: I have had the pleasure to work with and collaborate with many of the naturopathic physicians in Fairbanks over the past 25 years. Naturopathic physicians are professionally trained and bound to the same high standard that MDs and DOs are bound.
Our shared primary goal is to alleviate pain and suffering. Prevention of pain and suffering is perhaps more important than aggressive medical intervention. It is my impression that naturopathic physicians place more emphasis on prevention than their medical counterparts.
Be that as it may, sometimes prevention isn’t possible and intervention with medications and/or procedures is necessary. As professionals, we have overlapping skills and knowledge. All health care professionals are bound to practice in a safe and accountable manner.
Allowing naturopathic physicians to practice to the level of their training would be a benefit to the residents of Alaska. The argument that naturopathic physicians would be endangering the general public if they were to have prescription capabilities or the ability to perform procedures is misleading. Any health care profession has the potential to do harm. Professional ethics should mandate the scope of an individual’s practice or application of health care skills and knowledge. Naturopaths are no more likely to do brain surgery in their offices or prescribe lethal medications than I am.
It is of note that the state is always going to have to police individuals and protect the general public. A quick Google search reveals that there are a number of doctors who get disciplined and need to be stopped from doing harm. Checks and balances are in place and work.
The general public is rightfully demanding a more holistic approach to their health care.
There is irony in the fact that in the state of Alaska an adult can purchase marijuana from a dispensary, and alcohol, tobacco and dangerous over-the-counter medications from a grocery store. These drugs are far more dangerous than most of the medications that naturopathic physicians would potentially prescribe.
House Bill 91 should be carefully considered because it will have a positive impact on health care delivery in Alaska.
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