Is it normal to have a crush on your doctor?
John Thompson
Updated on January 23, 2026
Dehn (whose really informative--and fun to read--health blog is worth checking out) says, as crazy as it sounds, it's normal to develop a "crush" on your doctor. "Many of us can be lulled into a romantic attraction by their warm, empathetic and caring concern," she explains.
Do doctors get attracted to their patients?
Research has shown that somewhere between 1% and 12% of physicians report sexual contact with patients. However, more interesting is that up to 80% of doctors report a sexual attraction to their patients.What is it called when you fall in love with your doctor?
De Clerambault's syndrome or erotomania is a condition in which a patient, usually a woman, develops a delusional belief that a man, usually older and of higher social status, is in love with her. This paper describes such cases where medical practitioners were involved.Is it OK to flirt with your doctor?
The lesson for fledgling doctors comes early in medical school: Getting romantically involved with a patient is forbidden. Verboten. A definite “don't” in any physician's playbook.What do you do if you are attracted to a doctor?
How to Cope if You Feel Attracted to a Patient
- Don't ignore it. If you find yourself attracted to a patient, accept your feelings as important information about your overall well-being. ...
- Share it. It may help you to confide in someone. ...
- Affirm boundaries. ...
- Examine vulnerabilities. ...
- Channel your energy. ...
- Stay rational.
You Have a Crush on Your Doctor
Do doctors date their patients?
According to the American Medical Association, doctors can date their patients; however, a physician must “terminate the patient-physician relationship before initiating a dating, romantic, or sexual relationship with a patient.” In other words, doctors and patients are permitted to date but only after the doctor has ...Can you be friends with your doctor?
Sometimes doctors and patients meet in the exam room and strike up long-lasting friendships. Other times, doctors take on friends as patients. Some doctors say getting personal enhances care, since providers who know their patients as people are more likely to take a well-rounded, holistic view of their health.Are doctors hard to date?
However, there are certain challenges that come with dating a medical professional. Spending time together can be difficult as doctors schedules are erratic. Try to be understanding that their plans will often change. Doctors' lives are highly stressful, so you may have to help them unwind at the end of the day.Do doctors have favorite patients?
Of the 25 physicians interviewed, 22 respondents reported having favorite patients, with some characterizing them as a type of patient they regularly encounter in their practice and others as several standout patients they had treated over the course of their career.How many doctors date their patients?
Roughly 40% of physicians will marry another physician or healthcare professional, according to a survey of almost 5,000 physicians done by the American Medical Association (AMA) Insurance Agency Inc.How long does a doctor have to wait to date a former patient?
One in five doctors now say a romantic relationship is permissible—but only after a waiting period of 6-12 months, once the doctor/patient relationship has been terminated.How is it like dating a doctor?
Dating a doctor will surely give you some sense of personal growth and character development. You'll learn how to be selfless and more understanding. You'll be shocked to see yourself not only going through lengths to understand your boyfriend, but you can also see yourself understanding other people a lot more.Can you hug your doctor?
Any time you question a hug, don't do it. You can graciously and easily deflect the momentum toward a hug by extending a hand for a handshake or providing a comforting word,” said Kuczewski. “Still, in the right context and with the right people, a hug might be just what the doctor and the patient ordered.Can doctors sleep with their patients?
Generally yes, any sexual conduct with a patient is considered malpractice, whether or not the patient consented to the conduct. Consent is not a valid defense to malpractice.Should I give my doctor a gift?
The AMA's policy notes that physicians should never allow a gift or offer of a gift to influence the medical care that they provide to those patients. Consider how accepting (or refusing) a gift will affect your relationship.Is it OK to send your doctor a thank you card?
It's important to remember that your doctor does not expect anything more than a sincere "thank you" from a happy patient. A sincere sentiment of gratitude is all any doctor could ask for, and physicians will cherish a thoughtful handwritten thank you card far more than an expensive gift.Who do doctors usually marry?
Male physicians and surgeons are most likely to marry female physicians and surgeons. Female lawyers and judges are most likely to marry male lawyers and judges. Male lawyers and judges are most likely to marry female lawyers and judges.How do you flirt with a doctor?
Here are 10 subtle ways to hit on your physician.
- Smile! A smile can jumpstart the flirting action. ...
- The Casual Chat. ...
- Spill Some Personal Tidbits. ...
- Subtly Let the Doctor Know That You're Single and Available. ...
- 11 Non-Desperate Ways to Get a Man's Attention Back. ...
- Fish for Info. ...
- Find a Common Interest. ...
- The Flirt Laugh.
How do you get your doctor to love you?
10 Ways to Make Your Doctor Love You (So You Get Better Care)
- Be prepared for the visit. Before your visit, you need to do a little prep-work. ...
- Be on time. ...
- Be aware of your expectations. ...
- Be organized. ...
- Be honest. ...
- Be compliant. ...
- Be assertive, but not pushy. ...
- Be respectful of your doctor's time.
What should you not tell your doctor?
The 10 Worst Things Patients Can Say to Physicians
- Anything that is not 100 percent truthful. ...
- Anything condescending, loud, hostile, or sarcastic. ...
- Anything related to your health care when we are off the clock. ...
- Complaining about other doctors. ...
- Anything that is a huge overreaction.