The duties of a doctor in the UK can vary depending on their specialty, but generally include the following:
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries: Doctors are responsible for examining patients, reviewing their medical histories, and making a diagnosis based on their symptoms and test results. They then create a treatment plan, which may include prescribing medication, recommending surgery, or referring the patient to a specialist.
- Monitoring patients: Doctors monitor their patients' progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. They may order additional tests or procedures to determine the effectiveness of the treatment and make changes as necessary.
- Preventive care: Doctors provide guidance on maintaining good health and preventing illness, including advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Medical research: Doctors may engage in medical research to advance the understanding of diseases and treatments, and to develop new therapies.
Supervising medical staff: Doctors may supervise other medical professionals, such as nurses and physician assistants, to ensure that patients receive high-quality care.
Continuing education: Doctors are required to stay up-to-date with medical advances and technologies by attending conferences and training sessions.
Record-keeping: Doctors are responsible for keeping accurate and complete medical records for their patients.
Ethical responsibilities: Doctors are bound by ethical and professional standards, including maintaining patient confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Overall, the primary duty of a doctor in the UK is to provide high-quality medical care to their patients, while upholding professional and ethical standards.