Rod of Asclepius

Here's a fun factoid:

The medical profession is symbolized by the Rod of Asclepius.  It is a serpent-entwined rod weilded by Greek god Asclepius, god of healing and medicinal arts.  There is much symbolism in the image, from the species of snake to Asclepius' name being invoked in the original Hippocratic Oath.

In the United States this rod is oft confused with Hermes' caduceus.  The US Army Medical Corps adopted the wrong symbol and now it is commonly used by most American professional organizations. The caduceus is inappropriate to use, though, because it is associated with commerce, theft, deception, and death.

I guess the stick and the snakes could make them look alike to some people.