Abstract

CREAGH PENA, Mabel  and  GONZALEZ SERRANO, Delfina. Defending the Cuban medical identity. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2012, vol.38, n.2, pp. 286-291. ISSN 0864-3466.

Much has been written, but little is known about the origin of the symbols that have to do with medicine. This is the reason why we still notice the inadequate use of the caduceus of Mercury in health institutions, and the adoption of symbols that are not characteristic of medicine in Cuba. This paper was aimed at clarifying some concepts and pieces of information on this topic, which will allow properly using the symbols that should identify the Cuban health care workers. Several scientific articles were reviewed and a number of websites were visited to demonstrate that the identity symbol of the Cuban health system is the Rod of Asclepius, which is considered to have properties of calming down or pacifying people. The staff with the serpent entwined around it is the image which has remained as an attribute of the healer god and as a symbol of medicine at present.

Keywords : Caduceus; symbol of medicine; Greek mythology; Asclepius; Mercury.

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