“They have documentation,” Maggie continued. “Badge swipes. Security footage. Witness statements.”
“Yes.”
“How bad is it?”
Chen leaned back in her chair. “Bad enough that I can’t make it disappear. But not bad enough that you’re automatically fired.”
“What’s the middle ground?”
“That depends on Monday’s interview.” Chen paused. “And on what you’re willing to do.”
Maggie’s jaw tightened. “I won’t lie about Evie pursuing me. I won’t throw her under the bus to save myself.”
“I’m not asking you to.” Chen’s voice softened slightly. “But I am asking you to be strategic.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning the committee is looking for evidence that you recognize the severity of the situation. That you’re taking responsibility. That you’re implementing corrective measures.”
“Like transferring Evie off my service.”
“Yes.”
Maggie had expected this. Had already written the request. But hearing it said aloud made it real in a way that hurt.
“If I do that,” Maggie said carefully, “does it help?”
“It helps demonstrate professional judgment. It helps show you understand appropriate boundaries.” Chen leaned forward. “Maggie, I’ve known you for five years. I know you’re a good doctor. I know you care about your residents. But this situation... it’s complicated.”
“Because I possibly slept with someone under my supervision.”
“Because you developed a personal relationship with someone under your supervision,” Chen corrected. “The optics matter. The power dynamic matters. And whether or not it was consensual, whether or not Evie pursued you or you pursued her—none of that changes the fundamental problem.”
“Which is?”
“You’re her attending. She’s your resident. That relationship exists in a context where true consent is complicated at best.”
Maggie closed her eyes. “I know.”
“Do you? Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you let your feelings override your judgment.”
“I did.” The admission came out quiet but firm. “I did, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”
Chen nodded slowly. “Then help me help you. Request the transfer. Show the committee you’re serious about maintaining boundaries going forward.”
“And then what?”
“And then you attend Monday’s interview. You answer their questions honestly. You accept whatever consequences they determine are appropriate.” Chen’s voice gentled. “But you do it from a position of having already taken corrective action. That matters.”
Maggie opened her laptop. Pulled up the transfer request she’d drafted at 3 AM.
“I need to tell Evie first,” she said.
“Maggie—”
“I’m not blindsiding her with this. She deserves to hear it from me.”
Chen hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. But do it today. The transfer needs to be submitted before Monday’s meeting.”
