The Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Institute (FNMI) is an international collaboration of more than 300 authors, editors, colleges, and agencies in the naturopathic medical community dedicated to developing a comprehensive textbook for naturopathic and integrative medical education in response to needs expressed by the naturopathic medical education, clinical, and scientific communities. The textbook is being developed through a series of recurring symposia, with participation from practicing clinicians, mentors and elder physicians, and naturopathic medical students. The complex and comprehensive nature of this textbook makes it the first of its kind within naturopathic medicine. To be effective, naturopathic physicians must be well-trained healers, competent primary and specialty care providers, and must be fluent in applying naturopathic philosophy, concepts, and evidence to clinical practice, public policy, and medical education.