Though instances of doctors and patients entering romantic relationships are indeed rare, it does sometimes happen. Physicians sometimes have sexual relationships with patients, or with former patients. Sometimes the initiator is the physician, and sometimes it is the patient.

Is it common for doctors to have affairs?

Seventeen percent of physicians in the 50 to 59 and 60-and-over groups say theyve had an affair, as opposed to only 4 percent of those under 40. One-third of physicians say they were able to work through their marital problems despite the affair. Another third say they were able to keep it a secret.