So, I have been looking into what exactly I want to do as a career and have looked into all aspects. I of course decided on becoming a Doctor, but I have an interest in the curriculum of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Naturopathy. I was just wondering if it’s actually possible to be board certified in both? How would I accomplish this if it is possible? I know no matter what is chosen there will be a choice of specialty so, I thought of getting a D.O. and maybe specializing in naturopathic medicine and whatever else I choose. I’m still trying to figure it all out, but I definitely am on a good path.
Board certification refers to your specialty, not your medical degree. So, you can be board certified in neurology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, ob/gyn, internal medicine radiology, etc. Here’s a guide to all the specialties certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties:
http://www.abms.org/media/114634/guide-to-medicalspecialties_04_2016.pdf
But first things first. You have to get a medical degree before deciding on a specialty. You have two choices for a medical degree: M.D (doctor of medicine) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy). These are not “specialties.” These are the medical degrees that can lead to getting a state’s medical license. If you want to integrate “natural” treatments into you practice, you can feel free to do so with an MD or DO.
A Doctor of Naturopathy is a different kind of practitioner. It is not recognized by the American Medical Association, and only 17 states offer licensing for an ND. It’s a separate entity outside of the mainstream practice of medicine, for which you need an M.D. or D.O. A naturopath does not do a post-graduate residency and cannot become a board-certified specialist, such as those listed in the link above. It is way outside mainstream medicine. You would not be a colleague of an M.D.
You may want to read this blog, Confessions of a naturopathic doctor.
https://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/
Why don’t you get into a MD/DO school first, after four years, you may practice any thing you wanted instead of “thinking”.
Why get a fake doctor degree (ND) if you’re getting a real one (DO)?