My recent editorial stated not only the belief that the current name internal medicine is suboptimal but also that the new name should be adult medicine. It is not surprising that some would disagree with the need for any change in name and that even those who prefer a change might not agree on a single alternative. Dr. Block prefers to maintain internal medicine because of its "spectacularly illustrious tradition." I do not debate the tradition, only whether such an argument is sufficient. Tradition is wonderful, but it should not stand in the way of needed change. Dr. Bohlmann raises the issue of adolescent medicine physicians who may be double-boarded in pediatrics and medicine. As noted in my editorial, specialists in this age range can cite their certification in both pediatric and adult medicine. Dr. Sokol has appropriate concerns over terms such as adultist and adulterer, especially when we strive for continuity of care rather than promiscuity. Whether we should be called adult care specialists, as suggested by Drs. Zaval-Alarcon and Pineda-Roman, is more problematic because the term specialist itself may inappropriately deemphasize our role as primary care physicians delivering continuity care. Dr. Roof's alternative of adultologist suggests a hearing specialist.

I tend to agree with Drs. Corapi and Calio, who again raise the issue of our being confused with interns and note that patients may wonder what kind of internal examinations we perform. Of all the alternatives, I personally find adultician, as proposed by Dr. Roof, the most descriptive and attractive.

Debates about names and name changes tend to revolve around philosophy and religion more than data. Nevertheless, responses to date from more than 6000 diplomates of the American Board of Internal Medicine to a survey in the Board's newsletter at about the time that my editorial put the issue into the public domain reveals that roughly the same percentage favor changing the name from internal medicine to something else (38%) and favor retaining it (38%). Thirty-five percent of all respondents agreed with the term adult medicine as a replacement for internal medicine, and another 22% were neutral. Whether the idea will gather support or die quietly remains to be seen. Although I have cast my vote, my own energies will primarily focus on the tasks that engendered Dr. Sokol's compliment rather than on a crusade for a name change.