I didn't necessarily see the physician as a role to play so much as someone to call attention to the king's distress, enabling Manfred to suggest a rememdy instead.  On the other hand, the doctor could take a while to arrive, so all this could be done before he gets there ...<br/><br/>Also, his untimely arrival could interrupt the festivities under the table as well as above it.<br/><br/>Just trying to leave options.