HeRMES
	FAQ

(Under Construction)

• How did you pick out your name?

HeRMES is an acronym, standing for "HElping Revitalize Medical Education through Service." This refers to our mission, allowing for medical students to take advantage of a service learning opportunity. Hermes, of course, is also the name of a Greek god, known in Roman times as Mercury. The astronomical symbol for Mercury is incorporated into our logo, which merges that symbol with the snake of Asclepius, physician to the gods. We've deliberately avoided using the double-snake, winged staff of Hermes/Mercury, the caduceus, because it is historically inaccurate to use that symbol for medicine.

Additionally, we travel to partner clinics to do our work rather than base it out of one location. The project is designed to be easily translocatable to a variety of settings and can be easily implemented even on a temporary basis such as a health fair. Hermes, as the messenger of the gods (complete with winged helmet and winged sandals), is wholly appropriate in this context.

"Be Mercury, set feathers to thy heels/And fly like thought from them to me again."

(Shakespeare, King John, Act 4, Scene 2.)

Finally, Hermes/Mercury served as an assistant to Apollo, who was (in one role) a physician to the gods. Since we operate under the supervision of a licensed physician, it seemed an appropriate image.