Which of the following is a general duty of physicians?

• A. Independent judgement
• B. Ignore ethical concerns
• C. Prioritize personal gain
• D. Avoid reporting incompetent colleagues

Answer: (A)

Independent professional judgment is essential because medical decisions must be tailored to each patient, drawing on best available evidence, clinical experience, and the patient’s own values and circumstances. A physician is expected to weigh benefits and harms, consider alternatives, and apply relevant guidelines while remaining wary of external pressures or conflicts of interest. This autonomy protects patient welfare and maintains trust in the physician–patient relationship, ensuring care is guided by professional standards rather than personal gain or institutional pressure.

The other options conflict with fundamental physician duties: ignoring ethical concerns undermines patient welfare; prioritizing personal gain directly violates the fiduciary obligation to act in the patient’s best interest; and avoiding reporting incompetent colleagues would compromise patient safety and professional accountability.