Insignin

Studies suggest that medical students and physicians have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than their peers in the general population. Some authors have suggested that medical culture perpetuates these problems by erecting "barriers to treatment," preventing students and physicians from getting the help they need. Here, the author begins a broader examination of the potential role of culture by examining the myths and symbols that form the basis for medical culture and the medical self-image. The author argues that a medical self-image based on a de-contextualized medical mythology, the Asclepius myth, results in a sense of professional identity that is unbalanced, dehumanized, and characterized by unattainable expectations. The outward expression of this medical self-image, the medical culture, is often a-relational, unhealthy, stressed, or even toxic. The author suggests some ways of re-modeling medical culture, including its rituals and symbols, and medical education in ways that incorporate what is currently kept in its shadow.

The insignia worn by the British and Commonwealth Armed Services are rich in symbolism and meaning to the corps and regiments that wear them. Originally, before the adoption of national uniforms pre-1700s, there was little to distinguish friend from foe. To overcome that problem, certainly in battle, it was common practice to wear some sort of distinctive emblem, such as a sprig of a native plant. This then developed, in the reign of Charles II, to the custom of individual regiments or corps adopting devices and designs of their 'colours', through to modern cap and collar badges.On the centenary of the Royal Army Dental Corps, this paper gives some insight into those designs adopted by the Royal and Commonwealth Dental Corps, when a distinct service of dental care was recognised. They give a fascinating insight into the adoption and amalgamation of both national and dental symbols. The Dental Corps, separate from Army Medical Corps, went on to develop the vital provision of dental healthcare, both in the field and at home.