Latest news with #Caduceus
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Caduceus Capital Partners Forms Digital Health Consulting Arm Caduceus ADVISORY
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Caduceus Capital Partners (Caduceus) today announced the formation of Caduceus ADVISORY, a new consulting business that complements the firm's investment strategy and mission to advance digital health innovation across the U.S. healthcare industry. Caduceus ADVISORY will work with health systems and plans to simplify complex operations, break down organizational silos, and drive sustainable performance improvements with a focus on transformation through advanced and emerging technologies. Caduceus ADVISORY brings a unique combination of early-stage venture capital experience and deep management consulting expertise to help clients navigate today's challenges while unlocking the incredible opportunities of tomorrow. Share As healthcare organizations grapple with mounting operational pressures and limited resources, the path to meaningful innovation can feel out of reach. Caduceus ADVISORY brings a unique combination of early-stage venture capital experience and deep management consulting expertise to help clients navigate today's challenges while unlocking the incredible opportunities of tomorrow. 'Each month, our team evaluates hundreds of digital health startups, investing only in those with the potential to truly transform the industry,' said Dave Vreeland, Senior Managing Partner at Caduceus Capital Partners. 'That constant market engagement gives us real-time visibility into emerging technologies and the ability to rapidly align them with health system needs. The $5 Trillion U.S. healthcare system, historically human labor intensive and notoriously slow to adopt new technologies, is poised for more change in the coming decade than the industry has experienced in the last century. We look forward to bringing this intelligence to bear for clients looking to scale innovation with speed, clarity, simplicity, and impact.' Caduceus has appointed Adam Bauer, Managing Partner at Caduceus Capital Partners, as CEO of Caduceus ADVISORY. In this role, Bauer will lead the practice's strategy and execution, helping healthcare clients harness the power of AI and next-generation technology innovations. Bauer brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience as an executive, professional services leader, and technology implementer. He has delivered complex technology solutions for a wide range of organizations, including large health systems, government agencies, community hospitals, behavioral health providers, and long-term care networks. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Analytics Services at Optum. Previously, he was a Partner at IBM Watson Health Consulting, where he led provider services across North America and oversaw digital transformation initiatives for health systems. Caduceus ADVISORY marks the third business launched by Caduceus Capital Partners in support of its core investment strategy. In the past year, the firm also introduced: Caduceus LAUNCH – a pre-seed accelerator that fast-tracks the development of early-stage digital health startups; and Caduceus TALENT – a purpose-built recruiting service that connects healthcare executives, entrepreneurs, and investors to scale early-stage transformative companies. About Caduceus Capital Partners Caduceus Capital Partners is a leading venture capital firm dedicated to fueling the growth of digital health startups across the U.S. With a national presence and a network rich in operational and clinical expertise, we bring both capital and strategic partnership to our portfolio companies. Our team leverages deep industry knowledge, talent, and innovation to accelerate value creation, fostering a collaborative environment where both our portfolio companies and investors thrive. Learn more at
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Heal your life – 1: Medical science embraces spiritual wisdom
The writer is a national-level swimmer and record-holding mountaineer. She also serves as vice-president of Tourist Guides Association, Mumbai, the only group of govt-approved guides, licensed and trained by the ministry of tourism LESS ... MORE Life is beautiful—and becomes even more meaningful when it is driven by purpose. At birth, most of us arrive with perfect bodies and pure minds. But as we grow, we unknowingly begin to pollute this perfection—with impure food, unhealthy lifestyles, negative thoughts, and toxic emotions. We spend the first half of our lives working hard to earn money and the other half spending that money on trying to restore our deteriorated health. Is there a way to live life fully while maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Can we live not just a long life, but a wholesome one? True wellness arises from a balance between the material and the spiritual. Importantly, spirituality is not about rituals—not about visiting temples daily and practising dishonesty outside them. It is about living a righteous, conscious life. The science behind spirituality Let's begin with a symbol familiar to all: the global medical emblem. Once represented by a red cross, it has now been largely replaced by the Caduceus—a rod with two serpents entwined around it, topped with wings and a glowing orb. This ancient Greek symbol, associated with Hermes (the messenger god), is rich with esoteric meaning. In spiritual science, this rod symbolises the spinal column, the central conduit of life force that governs all organs. Where the snakes cross corresponds to energy centres or chakras in the etheric/energy body. The two serpents represent the dual aspects of the nervous system—the motor and memory channels. In yogic philosophy, these are the Ida (lunar, feminine) and Pingala (solar, masculine) energy pathways. The central rod is the Sushumna, through which Kundalini energy—the coiled feminine power at the base of the spine—ascends when awakened, bringing wisdom and enlightenment. This concept is reflected across spiritual traditions: In Hinduism, Shiva's Trishul represents Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. In Chinese Taoism, the concept of Yin and Yang parallels this duality; so does the Ardhanarishwar. The alchemical marriage in Western mysticism represents this energetic balance. Lord Ganesha's snake belt signifies that his Kundalini has reached the navel chakra. Cleopatra's serpent crown reflects her energy reaching the forehead chakra. Numerous deities—from Shiva Lingam, Gautam Buddha, Mahaveer, Lord Vishnu, etc.—are depicted with multi-headed serpents behind them, indicating varying degrees of awakened energy (3, 5, or 7 heads representing the layers opened). Even in modern times, this spiritual system underpins the very symbol of global medicine—a silent acknowledgement that spiritual science is now accepted by medical science. The unseen is not unreal Just because we cannot see something does not mean it doesn't exist. We cannot see love, anger, jealousy, or sorrow—yet we feel them powerfully. Similarly, the chakras, nadis, and aura are subtle energies that science is beginning to measure. Devices like Kirlian cameras and GDV cameras have now captured images of auras, emotions, and chakras, even the rise of Kundalini energy. Physics identifies four states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. When gas is heated further, it becomes plasma—a state so refined that its particles are more dispersed than in air. Our bodies are made of all four: primarily liquid, then solid, gas, and subtle plasma. The yogic tradition describes several subtle bodies: Physical Body: Composed of organs, tissues, muscles, bones, etc. Etheric Body: Houses our senses and vitality. Emotional or Astral Body: Holds our emotions. Mental Body: Our thoughts reside here. Causal Body: Stores accumulated karma. When negative emotions and thoughts accumulate in the emotional and mental bodies, they filter into the physical body—eventually manifesting as disease. A real-life example Consider a young boy hospitalised with a fractured leg. After three weeks, expecting to be discharged, he is told he must stay for two more. Disappointed, he becomes emotionally low. His sadness deepens into depression. Though the injury is physical, the emotional body is now impacted. Gradually, this emotional burden affects his appetite, energy, and social behaviour—proving how intimately the bodies are interconnected. True healing, therefore, must address not just the physical, but the emotional and mental imbalances as well. The symbolism of the serpent and wings The snake—often feared—is a universal symbol of healing, rebirth, and transformation. It periodically molts or sheds its skin, which is a symbol of 'letting go,' releasing old patterns, regeneration, and renewal. The wings atop the Caduceus remind us to elevate our lives by balancing the material and the spiritual. The golden orb represents the illumined soul, our highest, most divine potential. The presence of the Caduceus in hospitals and clinics today affirms a subtle but powerful shift: modern medicine acknowledges the ancient wisdom of energy, consciousness, and spiritual balance. Spiritual science in modern healing Today, many chronic ailments are traced back to emotional or psychological roots. In the subsequent articles, all of which are inspired by the teachings of my guru, Pranic Healing founder Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, I will eleborate on the following topics: How lifelong suppressed anger can lead to arthritis and chronic back pain. How lifelong suppressed stress and worry are linked to diabetes. How lifelong suppressed resentment and bitterness can eventually affect kidney function severely. Understanding these patterns allows us to not only heal but transform. By integrating spiritual wisdom into daily life, we can live with clarity, vitality, joy, and good health. You may heal your body and your life with this wisdom. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
The Caduceus symbol: history behind the iconic doctor's symbol
Symbols have been an important societal element since time immemorial, but have you ever wondered how certain symbols came about? Moreover, did you know a certain medical symbol we stumble upon every day was not meant as a representation of the profession but rather a misinterpretation? In the world of medicine, one of the most recognised yet often misunderstood symbols is the Caduceus. From ambulances to hospital logos and doctors' vehicles, the Caduceus frequently appears as a representation of healthcare and healing. However, this winged staff with two serpents entwined around it is steeped in ancient mythology and has a fascinating—and sometimes controversial—history in its adoption by the medical profession. The Staff of Asclepius and the backstory Contrary to popular belief, the Caduceus is not historically associated with healing or medicine. A different but similar-looking symbol, the Rod of Asclepius, is in fact associated more with the same field. This symbol features a single serpent wrapped around an unadorned staff, with no wings, and is associated with Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine, who was widely revered in the ancient world. Asclepius was a demigod and healer so skilled that he was said to be able to bring the dead back to life. His sanctuaries, known as Asclepieia, served as healing centres where the sick would come for treatment, often through ritual, rest, and holistic therapy. The serpent in his symbol is thought to represent rejuvenation and renewal, as snakes periodically shed their skin. How did the mix-up happen then? The confusion between the Caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius began in the 19th Century, particularly in the United States. In 1902, the U.S. Army Medical Corps adopted the Caduceus as its emblem. The symbol then began appearing more frequently in North American medical contexts, gradually becoming mistaken as the true emblem of medicine. This misassociation was further cemented by its use on ambulances, in hospitals, and by various healthcare institutions. Despite its widespread use, many medical professionals and scholars argue that the Rod of Asclepius remains the more appropriate symbol due to its historical and mythological ties to healing and medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the British Medical Association (BMA), among others, use the Rod of Asclepius. Story of Caduceus Hermes is an Olympian deity from the ancient Greek religion and mythology, considered to be the herald or messenger of the gods. He is also known as Mercury in Roman mythology and is widely considered the god of commerce, communication, travel, and trickery as well as the protector of human heralds, travellers, thieves, merchants, and orators. He also plays the role of the psychopomp or 'soul guide' (conductor of souls into the afterlife). His staff, the Caduceus, was a winged rod with two serpents intertwined in a symmetrical spiral. A common mythological story associated with the origin of the Caduceus symbol is how it was created when Hermes threw his staff at two snakes in the attempt to end a fight between them. The snakes stopped their battle and wrapped themselves around the rod. This combination of staff and two snakes became the symbol for resolving disputes peacefully. In time, it also became a mark of commerce. The global view The confusion between the Caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius appears to be more prevalent in the United States than in other parts of the world. In Europe and many non-Western countries, the Rod of Asclepius is more consistently used as the medical symbol. This divergence can sometimes create confusion among international medical professionals and organisations. Furthermore, other cultures have their own symbols of healing. In ancient India, Ayurveda traditions emphasised the balance between bodily elements (doshas), often represented through symbolic diagrams rather than a staff. In China, the Yin-Yang symbol represents balance in health, showing another cultural approach to representing wellness and healing. Symbolism Behind the Caduceus Dual Serpents: These can represent duality and balance, such as health and illness, life and death, or the physical and spiritual aspects of healing. Wings: The wings are often interpreted as a symbol of speed and protection. In modern emergency medicine, this could represent rapid response and care. Staff: The central rod may signify support, authority, or the backbone of the healthcare system. Modern Use and Continued Debate Today, both symbols can be found in use around the world, but their meanings and appropriateness continue to be debated. There are also discussions within the medical community about the importance of understanding and preserving symbolic accuracy. Misusing the Caduceus may seem trivial to some, but to others, it reflects a broader lack of attention to history, tradition, and meaning. The symbol a society chooses to represent its healthcare system carries more than aesthetic value. It reflects the principles, history, and cultural narratives of healing. Understanding the true meaning behind these symbols encourages a deeper appreciation for the values that underpin the healthcare profession: knowledge, healing, compassion, and ethical practice. As medicine continues to evolve, so too should the awareness of the symbols that represent it, ensuring they reflect the noble purpose they are meant to serve.
