At the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in western Virginia, U.S., patients come in for medical, dental, and vision care services -- and music. Joe Smiddy, a retired pulmonologist and banjo player, is a volunteer of the clinic, providing care that is both medical and musical. He plays classics such as, "Amazing Grace," "I'll Fly Away," or "I Saw the Light." Patients, compelled by the strumming, often sing along or, as in the case with Rodney Harmon, a sixty-year old patient, dancing. With some Virginia counties being heavily hit by health issues, Smiddy sees this opportunity as a chance to connect with patients. "The connection starts when I say, 'What’s your favorite song?'" says Smiddy.
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