Holistic and Conventional Doctors Compared
Holistic doctors and conventional doctors compared: what "holistic" describes, who uses the word, what training and license to look for, and how to check before you book.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Side by side
| Question | Holistic doctor (label) | Conventional doctor (MD or DO) |
|---|---|---|
| What the word tells you | An approach to care that attends to the whole person. [1] | A medical degree and license. [3] |
| Training | Depends on the person: some hold medical degrees, others do not. [1] | Medical school (4 years after a bachelor's degree), then residency, typically 3 to 9 years. [3] |
| License | Depends on the underlying profession. NCCIH notes states decide credentials for complementary practitioners and requirements vary widely. [4] | All states require physicians to be licensed; requirements vary by state. [3] |
| Treatments | WebMD says a holistic doctor may use everything from conventional medication to alternative therapies. [1] | DOs, who are physicians, describe a whole-person approach as central to osteopathic medicine. [2] |
| Board certification | Physicians can pursue board certification in integrative medicine from the ABPS, for example. [5] | Board certification in a specialty is not required for physicians. [3] |
Both can be whole-person
Being "holistic" and being "conventional" are not opposites. A licensed physician may follow standard guidelines and also ask about sleep, stress, food and relationships. WebMD itself says holistic medicine is meant to complement, not replace, traditional medical care. [1]Checking before you book
- Ask for the exact degree and license, and verify it with the regulator; see how to verify a credential.
- NCCIH says to explain all your health conditions to the practitioner and to ask about their training and experience with people who have your conditions. [6]
- Ask whether they will work with your other doctors. [6]
- Remember that being licensed or certified is not always a guarantee of being qualified. [4]
- A longer list of cautions is at warning signs checklist.
Serious illness
In a published study of people with curable cancers, alternative medicine used alone was associated with a greater risk of death than conventional cancer treatment. [7] Tell every doctor about everything you use, and do not stop or change prescribed medicines without talking to your prescriber. Vaccine information should come from health authorities such as the World Health Organization, which describes vaccination as a simple, safe and effective way of protecting against harmful diseases. [8]More background: holistic medicine and what the terms mean.
Frequently asked questions
Is a holistic doctor a real doctor?
It depends on the person. Some hold medical degrees and others may not. [1] Check the specific degree and license.
Is holistic the same as naturopathic?
No. WebMD calls naturopathy a type of holistic medicine, but holistic providers also include physicians who use conventional treatment. [1]
Can a conventional doctor be holistic?
Yes. DOs describe a whole-person approach as central to osteopathic medicine. [2]
Does insurance cover holistic doctors?
Not described in the sources we read. NCCIH advises asking your insurer rather than assuming. [6]
Should I stop my medicines if a holistic doctor suggests it?
No change should be made without your prescriber's input. Tell all providers what you take. [6]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
"Holistic" describes an approach, not a license
None of the sources we read describes "holistic doctor" as a licensed title in itself. WebMD says some holistic providers hold medical degrees and others may not, and lists examples including DOs, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors and homeopathic doctors. [1] So the word alone does not tell you the person's training or license. The word "doctor" also appears in many titles; see title protection and what "doctor" means.
References
- WebMD, What Is Holistic Medicine?, medically reviewed November 1, 2025. A consumer health publisher, not a regulator. Read 2026-10-22.
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), About Osteopathic Medicine. Read 2026-10-22.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Physicians and Surgeons, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCIH, Credentialing, Licensing, and Education, last updated May 2018. Read 2026-10-22.
- American Board of Physician Specialties, American Board of Integrative Medicine. Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCIH, 6 Things To Know When Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner. Read 2026-10-22.
- Johnson SB, Park HS, Gross CP, Yu JB. Use of Alternative Medicine for Cancer and Its Impact on Survival. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2018. Read 2026-10-22.
- World Health Organization, Vaccines and immunization: What is vaccination? Read 2026-10-22.