Hi... are doctors who specialize in alternative medicine popular and common?

Hi! I want to be a doctor who only specilizes in holistic/alternative medicine, but I have not heard of too many.
Question:
Would I have to take all of the regular math and science classes regular doctors who specialize in traditional medicine do? and what are these doctors called in not called doctors of alternative medicine? Where can i get more information, and what school cater to these doctors? I have tried looking up this ifomation, but I have not been successful.
Thanks

Naturopathic medicine is a researched based and legitimate health care field, and yes you will have to take a lot of math, science and chemistry. To get into Bastyr University, in washington state one of the nations top naturopahic institutions, you have to have a minimum of a bachelors degree with mostly pre-med studies under your belt, with a 3.5 or higher gpa I think. Then, it is a four year program with 40 hours approximaltely for classes and an added 20-30 hours of study. If you choose to add midwifery to the program in order to deliver babies, it is an additional year or two of studies which includes being on call 24/7 with a precepting licensed midwife and natruopathic physician. The total cost is near 150 thousand bucks for the education and books/ expenses. In the end of your studies, you will sit for national and state boards. there are currently 17 states which have medical licensure for naturopathich physicians. You will at that time be able to call yourself a doctor of natural medicine and will then be able to find a doc to do an internship /residency with.Here in seattle, many people choose naturopathic medicnine which also encompases hopmeopathy, osteopathic manipulation training and of course natural medicine. I have been seeing one, and delivered my baby with one and I have never felt better cared for or supported by regular mds the way I have with my natural docs. I even thought I might study it, which is why I have all this info

I believe that they are a waste of time...so i would say popular...

I certainly hope not.

because alternative medicine is not recognized in the western medicine world, try searching eastern medicine

No, study up on the old Snake oil sales and Homeopathy it's all the same long con.

You would make the most progress in your career by becoming a regular doctor and then ADDING alternative medicine to that foundation. If you try to be a "doctor" without a degree or certification then you are just asking for lawsuits and you will be harassed by the law.

freewillflower is correct in all matters. if you google: acupuncture schools, and naturopathic schools, as well as homeopathy schools you'll have way more than enough to keep you busy. while i pursued a different profession, my main focus in life is actually meditation, energy practices, martial arts, and eastern and western esoterica, in general. while we are all different, these are the areas that fascinate me. i'm a bit "older", and i chose my employment path to, among other things, avoid viet nam. anyway, "if i could do it all over" now, and embark upon what you are commencing, i would do what you have in mind. btw, a couple of resources you might find interesting: www.sahajayoga.com--helps to raise the kundalini on line, believe it or not; and the book *the complete idiot's guide to toltec wisdom*. a very clear discussion of how human consciousness operates, and how to avoid being just another confused human. best of luck!