SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN

SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN

SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN 150 150 Dan Frith

Got your attention didn’t I? Sexual relationships between a medical professional and his/her patient is a “no – no.” Patients can be extremely vulnerable to becoming entrapped into a sexual relationship with their physician. The patient sees the physician as a caring individual with superior knowledge and someone who can help resolve their physical, emotion, or psychological problems. What follows is an example of this problem right here in Virginia.

Michael Hryvniak, a doctor from Fairfax, performed a psychiatric evaluation of a patient in April ‘05 who had “multi-faceted and complex psychiatric issues,” according to a consent order filed in August ‘07. In July, Hryvniak began psychotherapy treatment on the patient and subsequently began a personal and sexual relationship with his patient for about two months that same year (May to July.)

Hryvniak ended the relationship and took a voluntary leave of absence in August ‘06 as a result of the relationship. Hryvniak checked himself in to a treatment center in Kansas and underwent some major individual psychotherapy and medication management. It is not clear in the order what exactly was wrong with Hryvniak. The Virginia Board of Medicine has put this guy on indefinite probation.

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About the author

Dan Frith

Dan Frith has over 25 years of experience representing individuals and families in cases of medical malpractice throughout Virginia. He has been named "Best Medical Malpractice Attorney" by Roanoker Magazine and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. To speak with Dan, contact him by email at dfrith@frithlawfirm.com.

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