The law requires every citizen of at least 16 years of age to have an attending physician. The latter, who is responsible for the long-term care of his patient, is required to carry out certain functions related to his profession. What are the actual tasks of a GP? Here is an article that presents the roles or missions of such a doctor.

Examining patients

The main task of an attending physician is to examine patients in order to diagnose their ailments. To do this, he has to ask his patients a number of questions. They will ask their patients about their likely symptoms, their eating habits and their family history. Most of these questions help him to get a rough idea of the disease the patient is suffering from. Similarly, he may examine the patient by palpation, taking temperature or blood pressure, etc.

Therefore, in order to confirm his hypothesis and to be able to know how to treat the patient, he carries out certain tests.

Treating illnesses

The treating physician, as his name indicates, treats the sick. He prescribes a medicinal or non-medicinal treatment for his patient depending on the illness. Above all, he is the one who follows his patient for a certain period of time until he is cured. Thus, he may ask for additional examinations at times in order to better understand the evolution of the treatment.

However, he may refer the patient to a doctor specialising in the patient’s disease. He/she still remains in contact with the patient and the specialist.

Listening to patients

The attending physician also has the task of listening to the patient’s needs and complaints. This mission allows him to establish a relationship of trust with the patient. Since he is supposed to be in frequent contact with the patient, it is important that their exchange is free and open.

Therefore, it is necessary for a doctor to have certain qualities that are essential for his job. These include, above all, interpersonal and human qualities in order to understand the patient and to be able to guide him/her better. And above all, he must be able to warn him about the complications linked to his illness.