Letter of Introduction

Thank you for your interest in Naturopathic Medicine.  I am very excited to be in Baltimore and am looking forward to working closely with you to improve your health. If you have never been to see a naturopath before, it is important to understand how a naturopathic practice is both different and similar to conventional medical practices.  Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are general family practitioners trained as experts in science-based natural medicine.  NDs concentrate on “whole person” wellness and emphasize prevention and self care.  We seek to treat the underlying causes of health problems and not just the symptoms.  For example, a person may have a variety of symptoms which could be treated individually, or which may be related to a common cause that needs to be addressed.  This holistic approach leads not only to the treatment of current health concerns, but also to the prevention of future health issues, leading to a better quality of life along the way.

NDs are educated and trained extensively in physical examinations, laboratory testing, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, X-ray examinations and other diagnostic tests.  NDs are also the only practitioners specifically trained in the use of a wide variety of natural therapies.  We combine and adapt these treatments to the needs of the individual patient based on a philosophy that acknowledges the patient as an active participant in the healing process.

 Education of naturopathic doctors is comprehensive.  NDs study the same basic and clinical sciences, as do other medical students, along with the full spectrum of natural medicines and therapies.  This education includes premedical undergraduate coursework, completion of a four year, graduate-level program at an accredited naturopathic medical college, and two years of a supervised clinical internship.

In my practice, I combine herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, homeopathy, physical medicine and other tools to help you manage your overall health.  Every treatment plan is individualized to address your specific goals.  I utilize a variety of diagnostic techniques, beginning with a comprehensive patient history and interview.  I may recommend lab tests such as blood, urine, allergy, stool tests, and imaging (X-ray, MRI) to provide further insights. 

I am a strong believer in complementary medicine — the combined use of natural therapies with medications and other tools of western medicine.  I make appropriate referrals to conventional medical doctors when it is indicated, and work to help my patients minimize or avoid medications where possible. 

Finally, I believe that naturopathic medicine is a common sense medicine.  It is about finding the right balance in a world seemingly out of balance.  It is my goal to help you find a healthful balance in your life.

Yours in Health,

Paul Faust, N.D.

About Dr. Faust

Dr. Paul Faust is a graduate of Bastyr University’s Naturopathic Medicine program in Seattle, Washington. Bastyr University is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the study of natural health sciences that integrate mind, body, spirit and nature. While there, he underwent extensive clinical training at Bastyr’s Natural Health Center.

He received additional training at Seattle’s Cancer Treatment Centers of America where Naturopaths and Oncologists work together in an integrative model of health care. He also completed preceptorships with two of the area’s outstanding naturopaths that focus on children and women’s health.  Dr. Faust is on the editorial review board for Alternative Medicine Review which is the industry’s leading publication for complementary and alternative medicine. He is also a freelance technical writer for several prominent researchers in the field of natural medicine.

In addition to his doctorate of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Faust holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. Prior to his career in natural medicine, he held several professional process engineering and research positions in the Medical Devices and Chemical Process Industries.

Professional Associations

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopathic Medicine: What Can Patients Expect?

“Naturopathic physicians (NDs) diagnose and treat conditions typically seen in a first contact setting. They are not trained in the advanced use of highly technical conventional therapies for life-threatening diseases. Rather, they focus primarily on health issues encountered in out-patient ambulatory care settings. Though some tools of naturopathic practice differ from those of conventional practice, the goals of naturopathic medicine parallel those of family medicine in providing for and maintaining the well-being of both the patient and the healthcare system as a whole. Collaboration is growing between conventional and naturopathic communities to examine the safety and efficacy of naturopathic medicine in preventing and managing a broad range of common conditions, and to determine whether availability of naturopathic services will improve patient health in a cost-effective manner.”
“Patients who inquire about naturopathy will want to know that clinical tools typically include nutrition evaluation and dietary revision, counseling for lifestyle modification, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, and mind-body therapies. Advise patients who wish to seek naturopathic care to contact the state licensing authority to learn the scope of naturopathic practice allowed in their local area.”

For the full review click here.

The Journal of Family Practice December 2005, Vol. 54, No. 12.