is it ok for a physician to joke and flirt w/ his/her patients, especially when it's very frequent?

Question

i have a male doctor that is a bit too flirty w/ me. i see posts on here all of the time like this, but this dr. that i have is no doubt flirting. i have been analyzing him for the past 2 mo. i dont think that he is trying to be rude, or disrespectful, and i dont even think at times he realizes that he is doing it, but i am old enough to know when a man is flirting and when he is just being nice. he is about 20 years older than i am, and he is in a relationship, either married or has a girlfriend. it's unethical i know this and he definatly knows that it is, so why would he even risk doing it? do u think that he thinks im too stupid to think anything of it maybe? or even at times its like he is seeing how far he can go with certain comments to see if i respond, becuz every time i go it gets more and more personal, i guess my ? is, does this happen a lot in the doctors ofc? and if not what do u think a professional could be going through in his/her life to even over step their boundary

i kinda think he is maybe overworked and going thru a mid life crisis. or possibly in a dead beat relationship. i could be wrong but what else could it be?

Answer 1

Nip it in the bud now if you like him as a physician otherwise switch doctors. It's unethical and perhaps he doesn't realize his own feelings and doesn't realize he is doing it but it's a professional relationship that should stay that way.

Answer 2

Flirting in a Dr.'s office? (Hey, at least you know he has a great job!) If what he is doing is making you uncomfortable, switch Dr's. This doesn't happen with my Dr. If you like him as a Dr., then let him know that some of his comments/questions are a little too personal. However, they can ask if or not you're having sex/how many partners/ect. if it's a gyno visit. If it's a basic exam, I guess it would depend on what you're there for. (Arm problems do not include when the last time was that you had a sexual experience!)

Answer 3

I used to work in an ER and this stuff would go on all the time with the Dr's and nurses, even the married ones. People who are rich, powerful, and have a big degree behind their name somehow get the idea they can behave inappropriately.

This doctor knows exactly what he's doing, don't be fooled and don't be nieve. Even if he's totally single, it's absolutely inappropriate for him to be hitting on you. You need to communicate to him that it makes you uncomfortable. If he doesn't stop, you should probably find another doctor to work for.

Answer 4

What kind of flirting are we talking about here?

I suggest you get another doctor before this guy gets the wrong idea.

Answer 5

Well, if you like him as a doctor, just be sure he stays in line. If he gets too personal or if he gets at all 'touchy-feely' then drop him and report him to the AMA.

Answer 6

you know whats funny a patient can flirt with the doc but cries foul when the tables are turned. se it all the time. if you dont like what hes doing tell him it makes you uncomfortable or get another doc...

Answer 7

Well, if you don't have a boyfriend, then lie to him.
next time you see him, just start talking about your "new boyfriend" or something that is a sign that he should stop flirting with you
like "oh how i like ths guy, he is so sweet" etc. stufff like that
Things that a guy wouldn't like to hear from a girl they like

Answer 8

Report him and find another doctor

Answer 9

Inappropriate!! But mainly because he's in a relationship.

Answer 10

Absolute not. Report him if you think this is the case.
It is very unprofessional.