Of snakes and gods and medicine

The medical field is filled with ancient and modern symbols that have cultural and historical meanings. Symbols present in logos implicitly communicate values and purpose. This article explores the medical and religious symbolism found in the two most common medical logos, the Rod of Asclepius and the caduceus, comparing the values they represent to the values of modern medical practice as defined by the Georgetown Mantra. Although the Rod of Asclepius and the caduceus are culturally recognized today as representing medical practice and healing, they in reality are associated with historical figures and stories representative of trickery, thievery, or a selective application of the healing arts. Institutions using these symbols in their logos should consider how their branding might be adjusted to communicate the values that medical professionals aim to espouse today.