The symbol of healers is NOT the Caduceus (two snakes around a staff). The Caduceus is a symbol of mercantile, both honest merchants and thieves. The true symbol of healers is the Rod of Asclepius, the single-snake you see in our community icon.
I consider this a massively important (although symbolic) statement to make in an era of privatized, for-profit medical care.
"The Caduceus is a symbol of Hermes or Mercury in Greek and Roman mythology. Caduceus symbol is identified with thieves, merchants, and messengers, and Mercury is said to be a patron of thieves and outlaws, not a desirable protector of physicians."
"The modern use of staff of Aesculapius started when The American Medical Association had the staff of Aesculapius as its symbol in 1910. The Royal Army Medical Corp, French Military Service, and other medical organizations had done the same. Even today the World Health Organization, Medical Council of India symbols have the staff of Aesculapius in them."
"In 1990, a survey was done in the US and it was found that 62% of the professional associations used the Rod of Aesculapius while 37% used the Caduceus and 76% of commercial organizations used the Caduceus."
