One of the common problems with following trends is that they change their names frequently, often to raise resources or avoid the negative connotations of the previous label. Sometimes, the new label can be meaningless, vague and irrational like climate change (as opposed to the accurate if clumsy anthropogenic global warming).
So when did stem cells become regenerative medicine? The switchover appears to date to about 2005 onwards. It was not caused by a bad press or the culture wars vigorously pursued by bioconservatives. Yet, when a National Centre was designated in the United States, regenerative medicine was preferred to stem cell research.
The original term stems from a 1992 article and acquired power in the middle of the last decade. Medical practitioners prefer the term to stem cells and the cachet now brands reseach centres, academic journals, firms and associations. In the space of eight years, medical potential has uplifted a disciplinary cadre. I hope the research programme bears hopeful fruit.