But most people still don't know what a naturopath does. Naturopaths spend more time with patients. The initial visit takes about an hour while the physician interviews the patient on family history, lifestyle and diet. Krystal Silva practices body adjustments on fellow student Laura James during training in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Kenmore. But many also prescribe antibiotics and conventional treatments, and they refer patients to medical specialists when needed.
Most practitioners view naturopathic health care to be more spiritual than mainstream medicine.
Bastyr's setting, a Catholic seminary built in 1959 on 50 acres of fields and woods, is most apropos. Enrollment has soared over the past 10 years, increasing almost 250 percent. Many of the students at Bastyr considered traditional medical schools. While most acknowledge the strengths of the M.D. approach, they found it lacking. Then the medical director of the clinic, Dr. Lise Alschuler, repeated the exam, and Muntean and two other students gathered round.