A 36-Year-Old Woman with Well-Controlled Asthma and Hypothyroidism Comes to the Office

A 36-year-old woman with well-controlled asthma and hypothyroidism comes to the office to review recent thyroid function tests with her primary care physician.  She has been his patient for the past 8 years.  During the visit, she mentions that she is recently divorced and has had difficulty meeting "smart and interesting" men.  The patient, noticing the physician is not wearing a wedding ring, asks if he is single.  The physician responds, "Yes, why do you ask?"  The patient replies that she was wondering whether he would consider going out for dinner now that they are both single.  The physician has always found the patient attractive and would like to accept the invitation.  Which of the following is the most appropriate response to the patient's request?

A) Accept the invitation as it was the patient, not the physician, who initiated it
B) Accept the invitation as the romantic interest is mutual
C) Accept the invitation but suggest that the patient change providers if she is uncomfortable continuing under his care
D) Decline the invitation, explaining that going on a date with her would be unethical
E) Decline the invitation, explaining that it is inappropriate for the patient to ask for a date
F) Decline the invitation, explaining that the physician-patient relationship must be terminated before going on a date