I think you paint with too broad a brush, my friend.

While it is true that there are a number of patients who will only be happy if we write them a prescription for antibiotics, it has been my experience (and this is validated by research) that the majority of patients will appreciate the difference between viral and bacterial infections and will understand that antibiotics will do them no good while expose them to some risk of harm if the physician respectfully explains these issues to them. Would they be happier if I offered them a pill that will take all their symptoms away? Of course--but there is not such pill. Do they go out frustrated that with all our research we still don't have a cure for the common cold? Of course--but a smart physician does not confuse that frustration with a patient being truly "pissed off".

In a good number of cases, the patients really don't want to take medications, especially antibiotics, and are relieved when I tell them that they are not going to help!

Now, I will admit that some patients do end up "pissed off" no matter how clearly and carefully I explain the above issues, and no matter how sympathetic I am toward their suffering and no matter what non-antibiotic treatments I suggest that can help them with their symptoms. I have had patients actually scream at me demanding antibiotics. That does not get them the antibiotics, and I guess in the end they eventually go to find some other physician who is less careful in protecting their health. But this is a very small minority of patients, in my experience. Some patients are a bit insistant, but nowadays, all I have to say is "drug-resistant bacteria" or "MRSA" and they realize the significant downside of unnecessary antibiotics.

Yes, we want to "satisfy" the patient. But a sensible physician will realize that you can't please all the people all the time, and that above all we have to do what is in the patient's best interest. A "pissed off" patient is always better off than one who is harmed or killed by unnecessary treatment.