B12 Injections, Thyroid Glandulars and Bioidentical Hormones... Coming Soon!
It has been an exciting time to be a naturopathic doctor in Ontario over the past year. As of July 1st 2015, NDs were captured under new government regulations (see my article about it here). With these new rules, NDs have the option to write the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics exam. When passed, this exam allows those of us that are board-certified naturopathic doctors access to some new tools to help our patients feel better.
I am now able to prescribe the following:
* desiccated thyroid
* topical and suppository bioidentical hormones (estrogen, progesterone)
* injectable vitamin D3, B12 and folic Acid
It does appear that writing this exam lays the groundwork for naturopathic doctors to receive additional prescribing rights in the future.
The Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics exam is a very detailed written and oral exam that teaches doctors about pharmaceutical drugs (ex. when to use them, dosages, side effects, benefits etc...). Although learning about pharmaceutical drugs seems anti-naturopathic, learning how to prescribe pharmaceuticals creates deeper understanding about why they might have been prescribed by other medical professionals. This allows better dialogue between conventional medical doctors and naturopathic doctors, and provides an accepted framework to account for pharmacological side effects, drug-herb and drug-drug interactions. This means that my patients will be more informed about the therapies I am giving them and the pharmaceuticals they are receiving from their medical doctors. Knowledge is power!
I am happy to report that I will be offering B12 injections again. As of July 1st , NDs have to pass this exam in order to inject B12. If you are interested in getting a B12 injection because you are tired, stressed or feel like you are not absorbing it properly, please email or book online here to discuss your options.
Lastly, I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone for their support and patience through the months that I studied for this exam. I am truly passionate about enhancing my education and knowledge by staying up to date with the best medicine to provide safe, effective, cutting edge naturopathic care.
Yours in health,
Dr. Jaclyn ND
Naturopathic Doctor in Norwich and Woodstock Ontario
