I see an endocrinologist twice yearly for my low thyroid. There are very few of these specialists in my city and it was a pain to find one within driving distance (25 miles) that was taking new patients. I've been with her for about 8 years now. Following COVID, when we were back to in-person visits, each time I would show up, I would be handed a clean face mask and be required to wear it throughout the visit. All staff and all patients had to, even when the mandate was over. Against my wishes I would wear it, but I discussed how it was ineffective and was unnecessary. She was very firm that it was important to do and even said, "Well, they say another pandemic is around the corner!" And she also said, "My patients thank me for protecting them!"

About the 4th visit where this happened, (early Jan. 2023) I came armed with a document I compiled with about 28 reports and studies detailing how masks didn't work, were fear porn, actually increased sickness, etc. Just for fun I also added 2 pages of memes that poked fun at mask wearers. At the end of my appt., I said to her, "By the way, you know the medical consensus has changed on masks." I then proceeded to hand her my neatly printed document and said, "You are a smart woman. You are very busy with all your patients, running this practice and managing your employees. You don't have time to do research - but - I do! And, I research hours every day. I put this together for you. I hope you find it helpful."

And then I walked out. My next appt. which was July 2023, I arrived to find a mask-free medical office and a smiling doctor with no mask on. Neither of us mentioned it, but I enjoyed the small victory.