What is the primary responsibility of a physician regarding patient care?

The primary responsibility of a physician regarding patient care is to prescribe medication and treatments. This role is fundamental to the practice of medicine, as physicians assess patients, diagnose health issues, and then determine the appropriate medication or therapeutic interventions required to address those issues. The ability to prescribe medications is a key aspect of a physician's training, as it involves a deep understanding of pharmacology, patient-specific factors, and treatment protocols.

While other options, such as filling prescriptions, providing counseling services, and performing physical therapy, can be part of a broader healthcare team or other professional roles, they do not encompass the central function of a physician. Physicians may collaborate with pharmacists to fill prescriptions and provide guidance on medication management, and they may also offer counseling as part of a holistic patient care approach. However, the foundational duty to diagnose and prescribe remains the most significant and primary responsibility that delineates their role in patient care.