Maintaining Your Professional Boundaries

Author(s):

Cynthia M.A. Geppert, MD, PhD, MA, MPH, MSBE, DPS, MSJ

I’m one of the only psychiatrists practicing in this area. What am I realistically supposed to do when I see one of my patients in public? Whenever I go to the gym or library or grocery store, I see several patients I’m actively treating. Some want to say hello and some want to socialize. My response so far has been to try to avoid them.

"I’m one of the only psychiatrists practicing in this area. What am I realistically supposed to do when I see one of my patients in public? Whenever I go to the gym or library or grocery store, I see several patients I’m actively treating. Some want to say hello and some want to socialize. My response so far has been to try to avoid them.

As a fee-for-service psychiatrist, I am in a tough spot because I cannot totally ignore patients when they approach me without seeming to be uncaring.

How can I maintain my professional boundaries in this 'small town' environment?"

Our thanks to Pat Rabjohn, MD, a psychiatrist who practices in a suburb of Dallas/Ft Worth. If you are faced with an ethical dilemma, we invite you to submit the details to PTedit@cmpmedica.com.

Maintaining Your Professional Boundaries