Male residents calling patients female family member "sweetie?"

I saw a young male resident doctor go up to a patients family member and ask her "How are you doing sweetie?" The girl was simply staring at her mother minding her business, but she seemed a bit tired and worried. She looked to be around 16-21. The girl answered coldly that she was fine and walked away. I can understand calling a patient sweetie after becoming acquainted and building rapport and realizing that they feel comfortable around you. But I personally don't see... Male residents calling patients female family member "sweetie?"
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Source Type: forums