Given Leslie Vilensky's interest in health and holistic care, naturopathic medicine was a logical career choice. "It was congruent with how I wanted to live," says Vilensky, who is president of the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians (www.mnanp.org).
At her clinic in New Prague, Vilensky combines safe and effective traditional therapies with current advances in modern medicine. She focuses on family healthcare, women's health issues and gastrointestinal health.
Focus On Healing
Naturopathic doctors focus on the body's ability to heal itself. They support individuals by teaching them how to make better lifestyle choices. Among the modalities they use are diet and nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and homeopathy.
In some cases, they refer patients to other practitioners like massage therapists and chiropractors. Naturopaths also work collaboratively with M.D.s.
Education
Like M.D.s, naturopathic doctors complete a four-year undergraduate degree with a pre-med focus. This is followed by a four-year graduate-level degree which includes courses in the biomedical sciences, as well as clinical nutrition, physical medicine, homeopathic and herbal medicine, psychology and lifestyle counseling.
A naturopath's scope of practice is determined by state law. For example, in Washington, where Vilensky is licensed, naturopaths can diagnose, prescribe certain medications, do intravenous therapy and perform minor surgery.
