The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CORRUPTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
R
R
U
P
T
S
More clues leading to the result CORRUPTS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "doctors" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case doctors = corrupts.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CORRUPTS mean?
CORRUPTS verb- To make corrupt; to change from good to bad; to draw away from the right path; to deprave; to pervert.
- To become putrid, tainted, or otherwise impure; to putrefy; to rot.
- To debase or make impure by alterations or additions; to falsify.
- To waste, spoil, or consume; to make worthless.