Rod of Asclepius vs Caduceus: Understanding Medical Symbolism #2213049 (License: Personal Use)

On the left is the authentic Rod of Asclepius-a single serpent entwined around a rough staff, symbolizing healing and medicine since ancient Greece; on the right is the Caduceus, featuring two intertwined serpents and a pair of wings atop a smooth staff, originally associated with Hermes and later mistakenly adopted by some U.S. medical organizations. Though the Caduceus is widely misused as a medical emblem, the Rod of Asclepius remains the true symbol of the medical profession.

This image is used in educational, healthcare, or historical content to clarify symbolic confusion-especially in articles, infographics, or museum displays addressing medical iconography. It serves users seeking accurate visual literacy about health-related symbols.