Why did it have to get romantic?

You are right, the cliched love story didn't help and in some way ruined the movie.

The stupid and reckless puppy love didn't fit to a strong and intelligent character like Dr. Bowen. It degrades a grown-up woman with both feet on the ground to a thoughtless dumb teenager girlie. No way a woman like her would risk prison, her job, her reputation and everything for an affair with a patient.

@tony-r-vario I'm guessing that it was a commercial decision. Without the romance angle it would've had less mainstream appeal - but it also would've been a much better movie.