The author notes the development of a research-based medical literature in the last 8-10 years that makes the medical diagnosis of sexual abuse, based on medical findings, an inescapable conclusion. Still, he cautions that clinical practice in the field of child abuse, whether in the diagnostic and therapeutic process, is not a perfect science and is fraught with uncertainty and consequent stress. In the course of improving the scientific accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, polarity of opinion can and should exist in all intellectual discussion. In the course of scientific debate, however, mutual respect must prevail, and disagreements should not become a forum for invective and personal attacks on an entire discipline. Concomitant with the generation of new knowledge is the need to reward and support those who teach the body of research-based information to students in all the disciplines related to the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse. The absence of true "experts" in this field has generated misinformed and self- proclaimed "experts" who offer intemperate and hostile attacks in place of objectivity and scientifically derived data. The designation of "expert" should be restricted to those with demonstrated competence through their study, peer-reviewed publications, and experience.