Dr. Tim Malone of Columbia Psychiatric Associates plays guitar and sings for The Doctor's Lounge. By day, physicians attend to the medical needs of their patients by ensuring they receive the best possible care. It is a rewarding but stressful job, and many physicians have turned to music for their personal enjoyment and to relieve stress. These physicians will be performing for the fourth annual, "The Doctor's Lounge" at 7 pm, Thursday, November 20 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for The Free Medical Clinic. Cost is $35 in advance and $45 at the door. The event will feature light hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and a silent auction.

"Since we started this event, it has been a great success," says Dr. Todd Crump, medical director for The Free Medical Clinic. "It's a unique way for physicians in the community to continue doing what they do everyday—giving back. This time they are sharing their musical talents instead of their medical expertise to accomplish it."

Dr. Jon Carnes, Neurologist, jazz pianist, of The South Carolina Neurological Clinic, PA Physicians featured include:

Dr. Brooks Mays, endocrinology

Dr. Tim Malone, Columbia Psychiatric Associates, guitar and vocals

Dr. Mark Mayson, pulmonary/ critical care medicine with Dr. Brad Word

Dr. Joey Evans, Chapin Family Practice, Bluegrass Band

Dr. Aubrey Bryant and family, emergency medicine

Dr. Tom Edmunds, Capitol Urology, guitar

Dr. Stacy Smithson, Lexington Medical Center OB/GYN, keyboards/vocals, Going Commando

Dr. James Knight, Lexington Medical Center anesthesiology, guitar, Going Commando

Dr. John Carnes, SC Neurological Clinic, jazz pianist

Crump adds, "This is a wonderful way to bring recognition to the Free Medical Clinic and to raise money for our operations." The gold- level sponsors of the event are Palmetto Health; Turner, Padget, Graham & Laney P.A.; Lexington Medical Center; Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals; Dr. Ramoth Cox; and Dr. Joe Horvath. The silver- level sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Robert Malanuk, S.C. Internal Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Fisher, and Dr. Todd Crump.

The Free Medical Clinic provides health care at no cost to residents of the community who have no health insurance and can't pay for such services. The clinic, supported solely by donations, has been serving the community since 1984. Treatment is primarily provided through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, and medications are provided by pharmaceutical companies' Patient Assistance Programs.

Last year, it provided 11,542 patient visits and dispensed almost $2.90 million in medications and diabetic supplies, an increase over 2006 of 12 percent. The clinic is averaging more than eight new patients a day. As dramatic as this increase in access to care has been, the clinic continues to turn away an average of four patients per day. Community donations and volunteers are needed to continue to meet these increasing needs.

For more information about The Doctor's Lounge or to make a donation to the Free Medical Clinic, call Jennifer Glover- Hawkins at 765-1503 ext. 205.