The Problem-Oriented Record (POR) has had a profound effect upon the medical community. Since its introduction not quite ten years ago, POR has gained remarkable acceptance. A short review of the relatively brief history of POR is given and various facets of its use are outlined as guidelines for more critical reappraisal of its merits. The fact, however, that POR is currently taught in a majority of medical schools and used in ever increasing numbers of hospitals is highly indicative of eventual conversion of all medical recoreds to POR format.