Medical Symbols Simplified

Symbols speak before doctors do. Make sure they tell the truth.
Across the world, we trust the emblems stitched into our scrubs and engraved on hospital doors, icons meant to represent healing, ethics, and care. Yet few realize that for over a century, medicine has displayed the wrong symbol.

Comparison chart explaining the symbolism, representation, snakes, wings, and correct medical use of three different medical symbols: the Caduceus with two snakes and wings, representing Hermes; the Rod of Asclepius with one snake, representing Asclepius; and the caduceus with two snakes and wings, but illustrating ethical healthcare."

Why This Matters
The wrong symbol sends the wrong message.


The Caduceus

two snakes and wings

stands for commerce, not care.


The Rod of Asclepius

one snake, no wings

is the ancient, correct symbol of healing.


We created the Code Blue Lies emblem to restore meaning: healing, justice, compassion.