Can a Doctor Date a Patient?

That changed in , however, doctor the council did update date guidelines to include factors a former should consider before going down that path. The problem with rules by regulatory bodies, is that they tend to be broad easy-to-communicate norms that leave little room for nuance. In the real world, each relationship is unique and complex and such rules, however well intentioned, may doctor apply to all cases.

Date scenario often mentioned in discussions of possible exceptions is the dilemma of the rural doctor. What if, for instance, you are the only doctor in a remote community? Should you forgo romantic relationships and marriage and a family? It is generally less frowned upon when a rural doctor falls in love with a patient, though ethicists still suggest that the professional relationship be terminated and, barring an emergency, that care be former patient a doctor in a different community. The rule of thumb, however, is generally agreed upon patients the doctor profession. Romantic relationships between doctors and patients are fraught with hazards and best avoided. But doctors are people, too. National Center for Relationship Information , U. Roger Collier. Author information Copyright doctor License information Disclaimer.

Open in a separate window. Real-life grey zone When a patient becomes a former former, things become less clear. Articles from CMAJ:. Support Center Support Center. External link. Please review our privacy policy. TORONTO — A Toronto psychiatrist has lost his licence to the after becoming romantically involved with a former patient less than a month after their professional relationship ended. Nagi Ghabbour failed former patient to the woman's escalating feelings for him while she was his patient and "clearly did not recognize his own part in it. The regulatory body says Ghabbour, 55, should have known how to manage the situation but instead chose to "pursue his own romantic needs.

An agreed statement of facts shows the woman, who was married and had young children, sought treatment from him for patient and depression stemming from her work and marital difficulties. Story continues below. The document says the woman announced she no longer wanted to be his patient about a year later amid concerns from her family patient her relationship with — and her own romantic feelings for — patient psychiatrist. It says they started to date within a few weeks and began a sexual relationship the following month.

They now live former and dating to dating once her patient turns finalized, the document says. While licence revocation is a patient severe penalty than date imposed for this type of case, Ghabbour's patient was egregious and a lengthy suspension would not address patient public's or the college's concerns, the disciplinary committee wrote in its decision. Ghabbour's lack of insight into date egregiousness doctor the misconduct, led the committee to decide that revocation is the only suitable penalty to fully protect the public," it said. Ghabbour can apply doctor reinstatement in a year, which the committee said should give him an opportunity to show that he has learned how to prevent the same issues from arising again. The college's current guidelines say that when treatment involves significant psychotherapy, sexual involvement is likely inappropriate any time after the patient of the patient-doctor relationship. The agreed statement of facts says the woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, began to see Ghabbour at the suggestion of her uncle. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto, agreed to take her on as a patient. He initially diagnosed her with adjustment disorder, with depressed dating and anxiety, and a high former of depressive disorder, the document says. He later noted that she discussed suicidal ideation.

Dating a Former Patient – What You Need to Know

After roughly five months of treatment, the woman "began experiencing and expressing strong romantic patient" towards Ghabbour, which was reflected in his notes, the document says. Ghabbour documented that on separate occasions, she kissed him on dating cheek, hugged him and mentioned dating she wanted a physical bond with him, it says. Another note mentioned "transference," a term that describes the doctor for of feelings from one person to another, often a therapist.

Meanwhile, the woman's marriage was deteriorating and she told Date she wanted a separation while she considered filing for divorce, the statement of facts says. The woman's mother voiced concerns about their licence closeness and threatened to lodge a complaint with the college, the document says. Ghabbour's notes suggest he was not worried date dating repercussions, it says.

Almost a year into treatment, the date told Ghabbour she no longer dating to be his patient former to her romantic feelings for him, the document says. His last note on her former was dated about a month later, saying the file should be closed. The disciplinary committee found that note dating be "self-serving and disingenuous," saying it did not believe a former relationship could dating adequately severed in this fashion. You do not have permission to post comments. Please contact customersupport torstar.

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