KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — People will have a chance to watch a documentary about a figure whose mission was to make sure people living in inaccessible areas of the U.S. had access to basic medical care.
"Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story" follows the life and mission of Stan Brock, who founded Remote Area Medical. The nonprofit operates free pop-up clinics in areas across the U.S. that may otherwise have affordable healthcare options. The events are usually scheduled for weekends and can attract huge crowds.
At the pop-up clinics, people can get dental, vision and medical care. It's part of the mission Brock had after he was employed as a cowboy on the world's largest cattle ranch in the 1950s. He was injured and realized he was stranded — 26 days on foot away from the nearest doctor. He said that if he survived, he would bring medical help to the people in the world's most inaccessible regions.
In the mid-1960s, Brock became a popular figure on television as people tuned in to "Wild Kingdom," a nature show he co-hosted. In the 1980s, he turned away from a career in television to found RAM
The documentary following his story will be screened at theaters across the U.S. on Nov. 14 only. A list of participating theaters can be found online, along with options to buy tickets.