# Gunter v. Huddle

> Court of Civil Appeals of Alabama · November 20, 1998 · 724 So. 2d 544

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/9936271

## Case

- **Full name:** Barbara Gunter v. R. Michael Huddle, M.D.
- **Court:** Court of Civil Appeals of Alabama
- **Decided:** November 20, 1998
- **Citations:** 724 So. 2d 544; 1998 WL 802763
- **Precedential status:** Published
- **Opinion:** Concurrence by Monroe
- **Judges:** Monroe, Robertson
- **Cited by:** 16 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

## Citator (automated)

- No negative treatment found by the automated citator. That is not the same as a confirmation that the case is good law; read the citing cases.
- Full citator and citing cases: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/9936271

## How later opinions describe it (automated extraction)

- affirming summary judgment on outrageous conduct claim in part because there was no "evidence that [the patient] was obliged in any way to engage in sexual relations with [the doctor] as a prerequisite for treatment"

## Opinion text

I agree with the main opinion that, under the law, Dr. Huddle's conduct does not amount to medical malpractice or intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, as has often been said, simply because certain conduct may be "legal" does not necessarily mean that that conduct is "right." I believe that Dr. Huddle's behavior toward Ms. Gunter *Page 548
raises questions about whether he used his position as her doctor to exploit her. The moral and ethical questions raised in this case are best addressed by the Medical Licensure Commission, which has the authority to act on conduct it finds to be "immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable." § 34-24-360 (2), Ala. Code 1975.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/9936271. Public record. Not legal advice.