Homeopathic Doctors
Homeopathic Doctors: What is this term standing for? What is a homeopathic doctor, and why is our knowledge about homeopathy so limited? Is a homeopathic doctor a magician? Deceiver? Trickster? Do homeopathic doctors sell snake oil? Can we trust homeopathic doctors? In this article, you will find answers to all these questions. The article below is written by medical doctor and internationally recognized homeopath Victor Tsan, who has 45+ years of clinical experience in medicine and surgery.
Once dismissed as quackery, homeopathy has taken over the world of medicine. As more and more people become aware of the possible adverse effects of allopathic and conventional treatments, they have turned to homeopathy to treat their conditions. Homeopathy offers a holistic and effective treatment without adverse effects.
On the frontlines of Homeopathy are the homeopathic doctors who evaluate your condition, prescribe medications, and offer a remedy. However, many people seem to have misconceptions about what a homeopathic doctor is and what they do.
Here is everything you need to know about homeopathic doctors and their importance.
Who are homeopathic doctors?
A homeopathic doctor is also known as a homeopath. They are the individuals who follow homeopathic principles and use them to find out what is wrong in your body or what illness you’re suffering from. If you’re sick, a homeopathic doctor will first comprehensively evaluate your body and ask numerous questions regarding your current symptoms and previous medical history. A homeopath is trained to get to the root of the problem to find long-term solutions for your problems.
After that, homeopathic practitioners will apply the knowledge of the repertory (a homeopathic book with all the symptoms described) and use the knowledge of homeopathic materia medica to find an effective remedy for your condition. Not only that, but a homeopathic doctor also monitors your condition and ensures that the remedy is working. If it doesn’t, they will prescribe other homeopathic remedies.
This sounds quite a lot, and it’s a complete misconception that a homeopath is not as well trained as an allopathic doctor. A homeopathic doctor goes through the same rigorous training as any medical doctor.
How does one become a homeopathic doctor?
Like any other medical doctor, becoming a homeopath is long and arduous. Here are the requirements to become a homeopathic doctor:
Get A Bachelor’s Degree
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for medical school. Some students major in various subjects, while others focus on a pre-medical curriculum. As long as you meet specific prerequisites, medical schools generally accept students from any educational background. Medical requirements include precise science, math, and humanities courses. You’ll also need to graduate with a certain GPA to get into most medical schools.
However, remember that the educational background of a homeopath differs from country to country.
Pass The MCAT
If you want to get into a medical school, an MCAT is a requirement. MCAT is generally required in osteopathic schools as well. In most cases, MCAT scores are not required for naturopathic schools; however, medical schools typically require a specific GPA for admission. For premier institutions, a high GPA will be required.
Attend A Medical School
A homeopathic doctor can come from various backgrounds. Some are naturopaths, others are chiropractors, some are doctors of osteopathy, and many are medical doctors. Typically, medical school takes four years, but in most cases, an MD can take more than eight years with the internship and residency requirements. Naturopathy courses also include the same curriculum as medical school, including alternative practices like homeopathy. Numerous institutions offer courses, particularly for aspiring homeopaths.
Get Your License
In the US, all physicians must be licensed. DOs and MDs can receive their licenses after finishing their residencies and passing their exams. For DOs, passing the Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination is required. For MDs, the Medical Licensing Examination is required, and for naturopaths, you must complete your training in a naturopathic medical school and qualify for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam.
As illustrated above, becoming a homeopathic doctor is challenging and requires much patience and dedication. It’s a complete misconception that becoming a homeopathic doctor is much easier than becoming an allopathic doctor. Homeopaths study the same curriculum along with alternative courses. After that, they are required to pass specific exams and get licensed. You cannot become a homeopathic doctor without graduating from medical school.
Do Homeopathic Doctors Receive Certification?
Yes, homeopaths are required to be certified. According to the National Institutes of Health, a homeopathic doctor must be licensed to practice medicine. In the United States, laws regarding certification can vary from state to state. Certification specifically for homeopaths is available in Arizona, Nevada, and Connecticut. On the other hand, some states allow homeopaths to practice after they have fully disclosed their background and training.
Various organizations, like the American Board of Homeopath Therapeutics, offer certification for a homeopathic doctor. Established in 1959, this organization conducts oral and written examinations to grant diplomate status to osteopathic and medical doctors. To achieve this, aspiring homeopathic doctors must fulfill 150 credit hours of homeopathic courses and possess documentation of their completion. They must also prepare a presentation of 10 treated chronic cases two months before taking the necessary exam.
A homeopathic doctor must receive the necessary education, training, and license, as they are the ones behind the effectiveness of homeopathy. Becoming a homeopath requires a bachelor’s degree, passing the MCAT, attending a medical school, getting licensed, and earning your certification. It’s undoubtedly a long and arduous process.
How do you find a homeopathic doctor in Philadelphia?
If you’re searching for a ‘homeopath near me,’ there are specific steps you can take to find the most qualified homeopathic doctors in Philadelphia. With the popularity of homeopathy on the rise, there has been a correlating rise in the number of homeopathic doctors. However, some may not be well-trained, so you have to choose the right provider. Also, if a medical doctor with an active license introduces himself as a homeopath, he can suggest homeopathic remedies for you. Still, it doesn’t mean he is trained enough to administer the correct homeopathic remedy for your case.
The first thing you need to do is request a referral from your friends or family members who have been referred to a homeopathic doctor before. If they were happy with the services of that homeopath, chances are you’ll be pleased as well.
You can also carry out your research. You can look it up online and read reviews about the homeopathic clinic. Make sure that they have their own website and that their credentials are furnished. If it isn’t, you should look elsewhere.
Ask as many questions as possible during your consultation with a homeopathic doctor. When searching for a homeopathic doctor near me, you must ask your doctor for their certification and license. You shouldn’t feel shy; a qualified and experienced homeopath knows you wouldn’t want to start treatment with an inexperienced or untrained homeopath. The effectiveness of homeopathy depends significantly on the level of training of the homeopathic doctor, so make sure that you see the best homeopathic doctors in Philadelphia.
Conclusion on homeopathic doctors’ education and licensing
Thus, it’s quite apparent that homeopathic doctors are fully licensed doctors who have undergone intensive education and training and received their license and certification. It’s no surprise that homeopathy offers results when conventional treatments fail to do so. It’s a complete fabrication and far from the fact that homeopathic doctors are quackery. Further, various organizations monitor homeopathic practitioners to ensure that the effectiveness of homeopathy is not jeopardized.
Contact the Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic at (267) 403-3085 for a homeopathic evaluation and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tsan.