The undervalued nature of the field

The undervalued nature of the field and the lack of recognition of the importance of geriatrics and gerontology undermine the development and sustainability of a quality health and long-term-care workforce for our aging society. The preparation of potential candidates for administrative and clinical positions is out of sync with the realities of current and future demand. As noted in several articles within this issue, medical, nursing, and social work students have little exposure to geriatrics and gerontology in their curricula or clinical placements. Administrators, nurses, and medical directors are poorly prepared for the management and supervisory roles with which they are charged, and there are few in-service training programs to help those who are already employed in these positions (Bowers, Esmond, and Jacobson, 2003; Institute of Medicine, 2008; Resnick et al., 2009).