united-states canada medical
Is it lawful for naturopaths to present themselves as doctors in the US and Canada?
<p>Some naturopaths put "Dr." in their title (without completing a medical or any other doctoral degree). Is that legal?</p>

<p>I know of no legal restrictions on using the title of <em>Doctor</em> in the United states. I know next to nothing about Canadian law and can't speak on that.</p>

<p>Falsely claiming to have a license to practice medicine is probably illegal, depending on circumstances, and practicing medicine without a license is most certainly illegal, and there a numerous federal and state laws that would apply. But simply styling one's self as <em>Dr.</em> is unlikely to be held by a court as a claim to hold a medical license, or a particular degree.</p>

<p>It's, of course, misleading and generally frowned to use the <em>Dr.</em> prefix unless one has earned an MD or PhD. Some holders of honorary doctorates use it as well, though some debate whether that's acceptable or not.</p>
