Sexual relationships between doctors and former patients: Already guilty?

doi:10.1136/bmj.39058.699491.3A

BMJ 2006;333:1272 (16 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39058.699491.3A

Letters

Sexual relationships between doctors and former patients

Already guilty?

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

After reading Sheather's editorial about sexwith former patients, I was seriously troubled.¹ In 1971 I performeda minor surgical procedure on a young nurse. The following yearwe began a relationship that was not platonic. Now I find itto have been inappropriate. Should I own up to the General MedicalCouncil? Shall I be struck off? What can I tell the childrenwhen it hits the tabloid press? Must I now divorce the victimof this heinous abuse of my professional position?

Before rushing to confess, I read the actualadvice from the GMC. Much to my surprise, given the recent performanceof that august body, it was extremely reasonable. Of course,the concept of discussion with a colleague or the council beforeembarking on a sexual relationship is a waste of time: anyonewho is prepared so to do has already thought through the possibilitiesof exploitation. . . . [Full text of this article]

Gerald Freshwater, occupational physician

¹ Shetland Medical Services, Lerwick ZE1 0EL freshwater@zetnet.co.uk