WHY (note the emphasis) is it unethical for a doctor to get into a relationship with his/her patient?

Question

This question is prompted by another which I have just answered.
I know it's supposed to be unethical. But exactly what is so unethical about it? Does a doctor not have a right to fall in love, or get into a relationship, like anyone else? And if the "right" person happens to be his/her patient, then what's so wrong about it?
I don't see what's the big issue.
Does this restriction not violate the doctor's freedom given to him by the constitution to marry whom s/he chooses to?
Can someone, preferably a lawyer or doctor, please give a real convincing answer?

Respondents talk about the patients' vulnerability. I'm not saying a doctor should start a relationship while the patient is under his/her treatment. But what if the patient has known the doctor as his/her doctor, for, say two or three years, and both have feelings for each other? Where's the vulnerability? And why should the patient leave a good and trusted doctor for another unknown?
Okay, suppose a doctor is married. Can he not treat his own wife? Or she her husband? Won't the relationship issue arise then? This is all very confusing.

Some respondents talk about the doctor's arousal when examining a patient. To a doctor, a naked patient also is another "object" for examination. I don't think s/he is thinking about sex.
However, a doctor is a human, and if s/he is going to be aroused, it can be with anyone -- whether or not they are in a relationship. So the arousal argument doen't seem to be tenable.

Answer 1

People who go to the doctor are in a vulnerable position. The doctor is in a caregiver role. Patients look up to a doctor as giving them the best advice for them, but if he or she is mentally coming from their own life mindframe they are not wholly able to perform their job. Their advice is more likely to be whats good for the doctor and not necessarily for the patient.

Answer 2

The doctor patient relationship is one of confidence and trust....generally doctors are seeing people at their most vunerable time....to begin any sort of relationship with a patient would be a violation of that trust...it's the same with anyone who is in a position of authority over another....a teacher, doctor, lawyer......All must abide by a code of ethics that are learned when they are going to school and become licensed to practice their profession.....There are many other places to meet people and to find love without preying on people that need their help...

Answer 3

Aside from violating the HIPPA act? Using medical knowledge for personal gain etc etc?

I would say the main reason is because if they woman decides to hate you and sue, you lose. You wouldn't last 5 minutes in a jury run courtroom. Doubtful you'd last any amount of time regardless.

So, I can't give you a good reason aside from.

Relationship or .............. career, money, lifestyle

cereal

Answer 4

Primarly the reason a doctor shouldn't get involve with his patients is because he took an oath to provide the best medical attention he can to his patients. If he is personaly involved with his patient it could affect his ability to provide adequate health care.

Answer 5

I think it would blur the line of being professional. Being naked is hard enough for most people and to feel that you'd be checked out while the doctor examines you, would be quite disgusting.

Answer 6

Yes because Patients are vunerable!

Answer 7

if met outside of work maybe, otherwise it is unprofessional, what about when the doctor sees you naked? is he feeling your breast/balls to check they are healthy or is he just having a right good old feel?

what if he gave you medication that you didn't need for example to sell on the streets as a favour?