Being "on stage": improving platform presentation skills with microteaching exercises and feedback.

In just over 20 years, all 78 million baby boomers will have reached their "coming of age". When this demographic milestone occurs, one in every five Americans will be at least 65 years old; millions will have comorbid and chronic conditions requiring better prepared health care providers and markedly improved services than are presently available. Thus, geroeducators must teach current and future practitioners what they need to know to help their patients have the best possible old age. To ensure that this outcome occurs, teachers must observe students and practitioners demonstrating their ability to perform taught skills competently. Using microteaching and feedback can help clinical educators be those better teachers of the caregivers of older people.