In the late 1800's, practitioners from several medical disciplines combined to form the first naturopathic professional societies. Benedict Lust, MD, founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York City and graduated its first class in 1902. By the early 20th century more than 20 naturopathic medical colleges had been founded in the U.S., with more than 10,000 practitioners by the 1920's. Naturopathic medicine experienced a decline in the middle 20th century with the rise of pharmaceutical drugs, technological medicine and the idea that drugs and surgery could eliminate all diseases. Over the last three decades, however, naturopathy has experienced a resurgence because a health conscious public has increasingly sought alternatives to conventional medicine. The naturopathic profession is committed to ongoing scientific research in immunology, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, psychology and other clinical sciences which contribute to the growth and development of naturopathic medicine.