The Symbol of Medicine – The Legacy Behind the Snake, Staff, and Cross When an ambulance rushes past you, a few things might stand out: the urgency of its mission, the sirens blaring, and the symbols adorning it. In the U.S., you'll often see a six-pointed blue star with a white staff and snake at its center. This emblem is known as the Rod of Asclepius, an ancient symbol of medicine that has been embraced by medical organizations around the world. Alongside this, another symbol often associated with medical care is the Red Cross—or in some regions, the Red Crescent—both powerful icons representing humanitarian aid. The origins of the Rod of Asclepius are deeply rooted in Greek mythology. Asclepius, the god of medicine, was the son of Apollo, the god of light, music, and prophecy. His grandfather was Zeus, the king of the gods. Asclepius was trained in the healing arts by his father and the wise centaur Chiron, becoming a master of medicine. According to legend, Asclepius befriende