What are the key responsibilities of a physician?

The key responsibilities of a physician encompass a range of critical duties essential for patient care. Physicians are primarily tasked with examining patients to assess their health conditions, which often involves taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and evaluating symptoms. Following this, they order tests—such as blood work, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures—to gather further information necessary for accurate diagnosis.

After collecting and analyzing all relevant data, physicians use their expertise to make diagnoses. This comprehensive approach ensures they understand the full scope of a patient’s health issue, which is crucial for developing effective treatment plans. Additionally, physicians also engage in treating both acute and chronic health conditions, which includes prescribing medications, therapies, or referring patients to other specialists when necessary.

While conducting surgeries, treating diseases, or researching new medications may form part of a physician's role, they do not encapsulate the full range of activities that define a physician's responsibilities. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the integral process of patient evaluation, diagnostic testing, and diagnosis—cornerstones of effective medical practice.