by David S. Warden

Out-of-SYNC members include: (top row) Sherman Gorbis, Robert Woodbury,
(bottom row) Tom Gilson, David Grimshaw, Lisa Vredevoogd, and Mark Gugel.

Sometimes an experience comes along that’s not only educational for students, but fun as well.

One of those experiences is Out-Of-SYNC, a concept Dr. Mark Gugel came up with for the 2001 Fee Follies. The program was immensely popular, and Dr. Gugel decided to keep it going, submitting another Out-Of-SYNC routine for 2002’s Fee Follies.

What Out-Of-SYNC does is take popular music, such as *NSYNC’s "Dirty Pop," and make their own music videos and live performances. These videos include lip-synching and dancing, but also show off OMM techniques in a completely unique setting.

Out-Of-SYNC also promotes the fact instructors can have fun. "Its great for the students to see the faculty dress down and get wild. It’s just fun, fun for them and we enjoy making them laugh and be light hearted," says Lisa Vredevoogd, DO, who recently joined the group as "Britney Shears."

The preparation for Out-Of-SYNC performances looks more like a nightclub than an OMM clinic review. Doctors appear in vinyl pants and tank tops instead of lab coats, and everyone is in high spirits. Also the doctors can get completely wrapped up in their characters, finding a release not only through music and dance, but also in a form of role-playing.

Overall, the group likes what Out-Of-SYNC does. "I think that the students really appreciate us connecting with them," said Dr. David Grimshaw. "We don’t want them to feel disconnected, so when we can show we care about them, they really appreciate that."