BY ERICA STACY

Special to The Pilot

Physicians used to care for some patients in their homes, traveling from one location to another treating minor -illnesses and injuries. In fact, what were then known as "house calls" accounted for about 40 percent of all physician-patient interactions until well into the 1950s.

Times have changed.

And then again, maybe not.

When not practicing their day jobs, Daniel Barnes, D.O., president of the FirstHealth Physician Group, and William Shilkitus, P.A.-C, a FirstHealth emergency department physician -assistant, join a teacher, a state employee, a caddie and a professional musician for a band they call House Call.

The group will open the 2012 FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Auxiliary Ball at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, with a trio of tunes they hope will put ball-goers in a dancing mood.

"House Call gives us a special -opportunity to interact socially in the community," says Barnes. "The band takes us outside our traditional careers and allows us to share our love of music with the community. We perform at -benefits and in some local venues throughout the year."

House Call's regular repertoire - as performed by Amey Parkins, vocals; Collin Cunningham, drums and back-up vocals; Dan Jordan, bass; Court Stewart, keyboard; Dr. Barnes, lead vocals; and Shilkitus, lead guitar - includes oldies, Southern rock and classic rock.

Stewart, the professional musician of the group, also teaches piano. Cunningham is the caddie, Parkins is the teacher, and Jordan works for the N.C. Department of Transportation.

During the Ball set, House Call will treat its audience to "Hey, Hey, Baby," an oldie that Dr. Barnes -guarantees will get even the most senior members of the audience to the dance floor; "What I Like About You"; and "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," a Georgia Satellites number.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to perform at the Ball," he says. "This is the second year that we have been -invited to share our music at this special event. It's a fun way to kick off the -holiday season, and it benefits a great cause."

Proceeds from the 2012 Ball, which will be held at the Carolina Hotel ballroom, in Pinehurst, will support the development of FirstQuit for Teens, a tobacco-cessation program for youth provided by FirstHealth Community Health Services.

For information, call (910) 695-7510.

Erica Stacy is a writer for the Corporate Communications Department of FirstHealth of the Carolinas.