CASE SCENARIO

One of my former patients, M.M., whom I still interact with on social occasions, recently shared that he has a new friendship with a family physician, Y.Z., in his cycling club. They met 3 months ago and soon began to socialize outside of club activities. They are both in their 30s. Although M.M. stated that he wanted to take their friendship further, he has not encouraged Y.Z.

Two weeks ago, he mentioned to Y.Z. that he had pain in his left hip. She thought he might have greater trochanteric bursitis and offered to treat him with heated extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Because M.M. has a high copay for insurance, she offered to provide treatment at his home. He was initially hesitant, but she persisted. When they were alone in his apartment, she asked him to disrobe from the waist down so she could properly examine his hip and perform the treatment. She reassured him that, as a physician, she had seen it all before. He complied and received the treatment. M.M. now feels awkward around Y.Z. and is confused about the relationship after being exposed in front of her: Is she his doctor, his friend, or something more intimate? What should I advise him as his friend who is also a physician?