Symbol of medicine
Symbol of Medicine
The Symbol of Medicine is a universally recognized emblem that represents the field of medicine. It is often depicted as a staff with a serpent coiled around it, known as the Rod of Asclepius, or a double serpent entwined staff, known as the Caduceus.
Rod of Asclepius[edit | edit source]
The Rod of Asclepius is named after the Greek god Asclepius, who was revered as the god of medicine. The symbol consists of a single serpent entwined around a staff. The serpent and staff in this context are symbols of healing and renewal. The Rod of Asclepius is the most widely accepted symbol of medicine and is used by many healthcare organizations worldwide.
Caduceus[edit | edit source]
The Caduceus is often mistaken for the Rod of Asclepius. It features two serpents winding around a winged staff. This symbol originates from Greek mythology, where it was carried by Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Despite its mythological origins, the Caduceus is often used, particularly in the United States, as a symbol for medicine and healthcare services.
Symbolism[edit | edit source]
The serpent, in the context of these symbols, represents rejuvenation, as it sheds its skin, or rebirth. The staff is a symbol of authority and leadership. In the case of the Caduceus, the wings represent speed and the dual serpents represent balance and duality.
Usage[edit | edit source]
These symbols are widely used in the medical field. They appear on medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and are used by medical and healthcare organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses the Rod of Asclepius as part of its emblem.
Controversy[edit | edit source]
There is ongoing debate in the medical community about the appropriate use of these symbols. Some argue that the Caduceus, with its links to commerce and the god Hermes, is an inappropriate symbol for medicine. Others argue that the symbol's current widespread use has given it a new meaning.
See also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
