File:USUHS Distinctive Unit Insignia.jpg

English: Description/Blazon

A silver and gold colored metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a silver shield divided evenly with three vertical stripes of silver between maroon on the left and dark blue on the right; the outer stripes each having a silver five-pointed star at top and bottom. Centered over the three stripes is a light blue globe, rimmed and gridlined silver and centered vertically overall is a flaming torch entwined with a serpent between two wings, all gold. Attached below the shield a dark blue scroll inscribed "DOCTRINA INVESTIGATIO CURA" in silver letters.

Symbolism The colors of the background, maroon, white (or silver) and dark blue represent the medical departments of the Army, Air Force and Navy. The stars suggest the higher caliber of personnel selected from the three services with the fourth star to represent personnel from any other future participating organization. The gold winged flaming torch with the stem of the torch entwined by a gold serpent is a combined adaptation of both the staff of Aesculapius (Asclepius) and the caduceus both of which are symbolic of the medical profession. The flaming torch, supplanting the plain staff of Aesculapius and that of the caduceus, alludes to medical education and research mission of the institution; the globe, placed upon the three colors of the background, suggests the capability to utilize the existing worldwide medical resources of the three military medical departments and others as may become available. The color gold is symbolic of wisdom and achievement. The insignia is the shield portion of the coat of arms authorized the University. The motto translates to "Teaching Research Care."

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved for wear by US Army personnel of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences on 24 May 1984.