Steven Bratman, M.D., is Medical Director of TNP.com, as well as Senior Editor for The Natural Pharmacist series of books and all online content. Dr. Bratman is both a strong proponent and vocal critic of alternative treatments, and he believes that alternative medicine has both strengths and weaknesses, just like conventional medicine. This even-handed critique has made him a trusted party on both sides of the debate.

His books include The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook: A Realistic Evaluation of Alternative Healing Methods (1997), The Alternative Medicine Ratings Guide: An Expert Panel Ranks the Best Alternative Treatments for Over 80 Conditions (Prima Health, 1998), the professional text Clinical Evaluation of Medicinal Herbs and Other Therapeutic Natural Products (Prima Health, 1999), and the following titles in The Natural Pharmacist series: Your Complete Guide to Herbs (Prima Health, 1999), Your Complete Guide to Illnesses and Their Natural Remedies (Prima Health, 1999), Natural Health Bible (Prima Health, 1999), and St. John's Wort and Depression (Prima Health, 1999).

Dr. Bratman has published articles in numerous national magazines, including Yoga Journal, Utne Reader, Bottom-line Health, Delicious, and the peer-reviewed Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. He has been a contributor to America Online's Alternative Medicine forum, and he’s a background source for numerous health-related Web sites and radio and TV programs.

Dr. Bratman has studied acupuncture, herbology, nutrition, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and body-oriented psychotherapy, and he has worked closely with a wide variety of alternative practitioners.

He has been an expert consultant to the State of Washington Medical Board, the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners, and the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, evaluating disciplinary cases involving alternative medicine.

Dr. Bratman's web site is www.tnp.com.