Letters for July 2, 2015

Trade DeMarcus

Re “Madness of King Vivek” (SN&R Scorekeeper, June 25):

I agree with Scorekeeper and what a “shitshow” the Kings headquarters is, but I think it would be near madness to keep DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings aren't going anywhere with him, so why not start over with some inventive trades to go with the new arena.

William J. Hughes

Sacramento

The 411 on 311

Re “What’s the 311?” by Brooke Purves (SN&R Beats, June 25):

This is a sad commentary on a program that I, as a city of Sacramento employee, initially developed in the late 1990s. The program at the time of development was never fully staffed and was a sort of stepchild when it came to funding. It could be the most useful program in terms of service the city provides. Just as City Hall is the physical “face” of the city, the 311 number is one of the most important virtual “faces.” I for one encourage the city to re-evaluate its priorities in an ongoing process and fully fund and staff this vital program.

Toba Goddard

West Sacramento

NDs are OK?

Re “Uneasy medicine” (SN&R Editorial, June 25):

I would like to take the opportunity to clarify some misconceptions in your recently published article. The author does not distinguish between licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) and traditional naturopaths. Naturopaths do not complete education and training at an accredited medical school and are not eligible to take licensing exams.

NDs, on the other hand, are required to complete a four-year post-graduate medical program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. NDs are required to take a national licensing exam and are regulated by the Naturopathic Medicine Committee under the Department of Consumer Affairs.

NDs receive education comparable to medical and osteopathic doctors, with 2,800 hours of clinical training. To compare, Medical Doctors and Osteopathic Physicians receive 3,200 hours, Nurse Practitioners receive less than 1,000 hours, and Physician Assistants receive about 2,000 hours.

With more and more research supporting the therapies used by Naturopathic Doctors, both the American public and policymakers are recognizing the value of the comprehensive system of health care practiced by NDs. As a result, naturopathic medicine and NDs are increasingly in great demand.

I urge you to take a closer look at naturopathic medicine and the role of NDs in providing health care to Californians.

Rebecca Mitchell

executive officer, Naturopathic Medicine Committee