Naturopathic doctors have similar training in medical and clinical sciences (i.e. biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, etc.), and in addition, they have extensive training in a full spectrum of natural medicines and therapies with emphasis on diet and nutrition. They utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies first. Preventive medicine is of the utmost importance in their treatment philosophy.  NDs tend to spend more time with their patients to find the underlying causes of illness and to determine an integrative treatment plan.