Ran into my son's pediatrician in an elevator about two years ago. He was with his wife. We exchanged pleasantries. A few months later at my son's four year physical, his usual jovial and warm demeanor was replaced by more furtive glances at me. At the end of the appointment, he approached me very closely and stared into my eyes.

A year later, at my son's five year physical, everything was mostly okay--but his wedding ring was gone. While he handed me some forms to sign, he very languidly carressed my hand. When I gave him the look, he told me that he was simply directing my hand towards the papers.

Two weeks ago (10 months after the five year physical) I made an appointment because my son was having a cluster of symptoms. Soon after entering the exam room, he informed me that we had to move to another exam room--the computer wasn't working. As we approached the new exam room, he seemed frustrated turned to look at me and said, "Sometimes I just want to slit my throat." My reaction was instant. I said, "My goodness, I certainly hope that you're not really going to do that."

We entered the exam room. He showed me his list of patients to be seen, and said that he had to see 21 patients. He sat in his chair, looked down, and repeated the throat slitting comment. I honestly didn't know what to expect, so I very quietly motioned for my son to stay behindme and not talk. I kept my eyes on this doctor in case I had to intervene. I stayed very calm and quiet. A moment passed, then he took a very deep breath. He said, "Let's try this again. The appointment was 'normal' after that. But as he was leaving the exam room, he stood directly in front of me and look into my eyes for awhile. I gave him a gentle smile. He said, "alright" in a hushed tone, and left the room.

I was obviously very confused. Any thoughts?

That behaviour could be signs of depression however even if he is depressed or was emotionly fragile that day there is NO excuse for him acting that way. Maybe going in one day without your son to express you concerns to him (only do this if he's a great doctor and you don't or can't switch to another) or to make sure he's OK would work but id suggest switching doctors. If you do neither and he does it again or it gets worse id report his behaviour to his medical board and ask yourself the big question: Do you want to trust an emotionly unstable person about your child's health?

I agree it's creepy.

But why is it in the legal forums?

I'm not sure if this is a legal question, but you should feel comfortable with your child's doctor. If that isn't the case, switch pediatricians.

I agree - this is in the legal forum. Is there a question about HIPAA (which doesn't apply), a lawsuit (which I don't see) or something else.

I would have drawn the line following the hand caressing but... if there is no choice but continue with this Physician I would ask that a Nurse be present in the room at all time. I've done it. I know other people who have done it.

I wouldn't be motioning to my child to stand behind me and be still in case I had to intervene - I'd be grabbing my child and heading for the door. I don't want my child to be a party to the throat slitting conversation.

This post confuses me.