Doctors take an oath to do no harm and act in the best interest of their patients. However, they are also human beings with natural desires and emotions. So can a doctor ethically fall in love with a patient under her care? This article will examine some quick answers to pertinent questions surrounding this complex issue.
Is it ethical for a doctor to date a patient?
No, it is generally considered unethical for a doctor to pursue a romantic relationship with a current patient. The power imbalance inherent in the doctor-patient dynamic means the patient cannot give true consent. Additionally, a doctor’s personal feelings may cloud their medical judgment.
What if the patient initiates interest?
Even if the patient expresses interest first, it would still be unwise for the doctor to date them. The doctor should maintain professional boundaries. If the doctor has reciprocal feelings, they should refer the patient to another doctor for care.
What if the doctor terminates the doctor-patient relationship first?
Simply terminating the clinical relationship does not suddenly make dating ethical. Feelings between them likely built up during the course of treatment, again calling into question true consent. There should be a cooling-off period before dating.
How long should the doctor wait before dating a former patient?
Ethical guidelines vary on an appropriate waiting period, but a minimum of 1-2 years is commonly recommended. This allows the clinical experience to become distant and helps reduce power imbalance.
When doctor-patient dating may be permissible
There are some contexts where a doctor dating a patient may be more ethically defensible:
- The doctor only had a minor role in the patient’s care, such as seeing them once in the ER
- The patient is clearly no longer dependent on the doctor for care
- The patient initiated interest long after their last interaction with the doctor
However, it is wise for doctors to avoid dating patients whenever feasible to prevent potential issues.
Risks of doctors dating patients
There are good reasons these relationships are generally prohibited. Some key risks include:
Compromised objectivity
A doctor’s personal involvement may prevent them from making objective clinical judgments regarding what is best for the patient.
Breach of confidentiality
The intimacy of a romantic relationship may lead the patient to divulge confidential medical details, which the doctor is ethically bound to keep private.
Abuse of power
The inherent power imbalance leaves the patient vulnerable to manipulation or coercion if the doctor chooses to abuse their position of authority.
Damaged public trust
If word spreads about a doctor dating a patient, it may erode public confidence and trust in the medical profession as a whole.
Establishing healthy boundaries
While complete avoidance is ideal, doctors are human and attraction happens. Some ways doctors can establish healthy boundaries include:
- Transferring care of the patient to another provider if attraction builds
- Limiting conversations to medical issues only during interactions
- Asking a colleague to sit in on appointments if concerned about impropriety
- Seeking advice from the ethics committee or supervisor if needed
Maintaining ethical standards and clear boundaries is key to preserving the doctor-patient relationship.
When is it acceptable? Analysis in different scenarios
Let’s analyze some specific scenarios to better understand when doctor-patient dating may be more or less acceptable.
Scenario 1
Dr. Hart is an orthopedic surgeon. She performed a knee surgery on Andy once 2 years ago. They run into each other at a coffee shop, begin talking, and realize they have romantic chemistry.
Analysis: While enough time has passed to diminish the power imbalance, Dr. Hart should still avoid dating Andy. She held significant influence over his care during surgery and post-op recovery, so dating is not advisable.
Scenario 2
Dr. Kim is an emergency physician. She treated Doug once last year when he came to the ER with the flu. They connect on a dating app 1 year later and want to meet up.
Analysis: This situation is more ethically sound. Dr. Kim only saw Doug once in the ER for a minor issue. The long gap reduces concern over lingering influence or dependence. Dating may be permissible here.
Scenario 3
Dr. Patel is a psychiatrist. He has had regular counseling appointments with Marie for her depression for the past 6 months. Marie asks Dr. Patel on a date at their last session.
Analysis: This would be very unethical to pursue. Dr. Patel has served as Marie’s mental health treatment provider for an extended time. Marie is still reliant on his care, making consent questionable.
Scenario 4
Dr. Adams is a pediatrician. He saw Ashley once years ago when she was still a child patient. They reconnect now that Ashley is an adult and start dating.
Analysis: While legal, this situation should raise ethical concerns. Dr. Adams’ role as Ashley’s childhood doctor creates an almost parental power differential that persists into adulthood. Proceeding is inadvisable.
Policies doctors can follow
Doctors can take steps to avoid sticky situations by adhering to certain policies:
- Obtain informed consent before providing care to existing or past romantic partners
- Document when a patient expresses interest or makes romantic overtures
- Refer patients who express interest to a colleague for care
- Notify patients of policies regarding dating at the outset of the clinical relationship
- Wait at least 1-2 years after the clinical relationship ends before considering dating a patient
Having clear guidelines in place can help physicians maintain appropriate boundaries and make sound choices.
Conclusion
It is generally inappropriate for doctors to date patients under their care due to inherent power imbalances and impaired objectivity. While some exceptions exist if the clinical relationship was minor or took place in the distant past, doctors should avoid dating current or recent patients whenever feasible. By maintaining ethical standards and healthy boundaries, physicians can keep their clinical practice patient-centered. With sound judgment, doctors can balance caring for patients while also fulfilling their personal lives.