Wisconsin naturopathic doctors prepare to expand their practice

Wisconsin is in the early stages of incorporating naturopathic medicine into the medical safety net.

Earlier this year, Gov. Tony Evers joined 22 other U.S. states in signing a bill allowing naturopathic doctors to be licensed. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes preventative and natural techniques, including treatments including herbs, massage, acupuncture, and more.

In July, Evers established the Naturopathic Medical Examination Board to regulate the practice. Board members include Dr. David Kiefer, medical director of Wisconsin Health’s Integrative Health Consultation Clinic, who said he looks forward to the day when M.D.s and naturopathic physicians combine their practices. He said there was.

“The more health care workers we have working on prevention to help people stay healthy instead of letting the disease progress, the better,” Kiefer said in a February interview on Wisconsin Public Radio’s The Morning Show. Ta. “I think the more we work together on this, the more we can help the people of Wisconsin.”

Some naturopathic doctors recommend herbal remedies, exercise, or physical and mental nutrition. In other states, naturopathic doctors attend accredited naturopathic medical schools and specialize in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, and counseling.

Jill Christa, a member of the Naturopathic Medicine Review Board and past president of the Wisconsin Association of Naturopathic Physicians, said it will take at least two years to develop regulations for naturopathic medicine. The schedule includes establishing rules, creating licensing exams, and continuing education requirements.

Naturopathic doctors licensed in other states can practice in Wisconsin, but there are restrictions. The new law will allow people to diagnose and treat patients, perform minor procedures and order laboratory and imaging tests. They cannot prescribe medicine.

According to the Wisconsin Naturopathic Physicians Association, there are at least 16 naturopathic clinics in the state.

Katarina Meister is a naturopathic doctor at Lakeside Natural Medicine in Milwaukee’s Shorewood neighborhood. She obtained her license in Washington and moved to Wisconsin in October to start her practice.

“Once we have the license, we will be able to fully function as a primary provider,” Meister said on WPR’s “The Morning Show.” “[Patients]can see medically trained health care providers with comprehensive backgrounds and expertise in naturopathic medicine.”

Lakeside Natural Medicine opened in 2011 and has multiple naturopathic doctors on staff. Meister said she is currently able to provide nutrition and lifestyle advice to patients, but is looking forward to expanding her role. She is encouraged that states are establishing standards and regulations for naturopathic medicine.

“To get that license, you have to take a national licensing exam, apply for a license and continue your education,” she said. “It will be safer for patients to seek naturopathic treatment.”