Staff of Asclepius Pharmacy Symbol

This ancient symbol consists of a single serpent entwined around a staff; its name derives from its early and widespread association with Asclepius, the son of Apollo, who was a practitioner of medicine in ancient Greek mythology. The snake was also a symbol of wisdom, healing and immortality in Middle and far Eastern cultures.

This symbol is usually considered particularly suitable for pharmacy, and can be seen in the bottom left quarter of the shield on the crest of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. It is also used as the logo (or part of it) for the following organisations and services:

• American Medical Association
• American Osteopathic Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Australian Medical Association
• British Royal Army Medical Corps
• Canadian Medical Association
• American Hippocratic Registry
• Star of Life, symbol of emergency medical services
• World Health Organization
• Australian Veterinary Association
• Malaysian Medical Council
• MedicAlert