<P> However, in the finale of season three, on the day of their wedding, Burke told Cristina that he no longer wished to make her do anything against her will, and realized he was trying to make Cristina the woman he wanted her to be, and not accept her as the woman she is . Cristina said she "thought this was what she wanted ." He wanted her to say she knew it was what she wanted, so he left her in the chapel . Cristina then returned to their apartment and discovered Burke had left, taking with him the things that meant something to only him (his trumpet, his Eugene Foote collection, his grandmother's picture, and his lucky scrub cap), leaving Cristina devastated . </P> <P> In the fourth season, Preston's long - time rival and love - to - hate medic Dr. Erica Hahn replaced him as the head of cardiothoracic surgery . Before taking over the position she had tremendous respect for Burke although she would have never admitted it to his face . Hahn disliked Cristina Yang because of her relationships with Dr. Burke and Colin Marlow . During his employment at a new hospital, he is made the recipient of 2008's Harper Avery, a highly prestigious medical award . Cristina is later hurt that he did not mention her in his article, even though Cristina helped Burke with his recovery from an injury . </P> <P> In season ten, Preston is seen to be living in Zürich, where he runs a privately owned cardiothoracic research hospital . He invited Cristina to the hospital to give a speech on her research . Cristina is both shocked and angered by the sight of Preston, and the former couple exchange bitter sentiments . Cristina claims that the two would never have worked out because she wanted to emulate him, not be by his side . Preston then reveals his ulterior motive for bringing Cristina to Switzerland: to ask her to take over his hospital, which she accepts . He is married to an Italian woman, Edra, and has two daughters, Simone and Vivianna . They are on the verge of moving to Milan . </P> <P> The character of Preston Burke was originally envisioned as a caucasian, to be played by Paul Adelstein, who starred in Grey's Anatomy's spin - off Private Practice . However, due to his commitment to a film whose shooting dates changed, the actor had to drop out at the last moment and his character was rethought . Isaiah Washington was originally considered for the role of Derek Shepherd, which eventually went to Patrick Dempsey . Washington later received a callback from Rhimes to play Burke . He commented: "I knew I could never be wrong in my heart about something so good and so genuine . Her writing just seemed very complex, very honest ." "I said that I would only do it if I didn't have to be like that guy on that other medical show who was always struggling with his anger ." </P>

Do cristina and burke ever get back together