Mu Epsilon Delta (ΜΕΔ), also known as MED, is an American national co-ed fraternity for those who are interested in or currently studying in the pre-medical field.
History
Mu Epsilon Delta was founded in 1965 on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.[2] The co-ed fraternity is a service organization and is recognized as such. It functions as a non-profit, national health science, honor, and service pre-professional organization and operates for the benefit of its members. This organization is intended to provide information about the medical field and to promote campus interest in the medical professions.[3]
Purpose
The purpose of this fraternity is to promote scholarship of the pre-medical professions in the community. Mu Epsilon Delta shall participate in community related events. By being positive influences upon the university and community Mu Epsilon Delta will be able to provide insight and exposure for its members to doctors. Mu Epsilon Delta should assist pre-medical professional students and promote academic success as well as providing a forum for exchanging ideas and concerns.
Symbols
The colors of Mu Epsilon Delta are red and gold.[2]
The symbol of Mu Epsilon Delta is the Caduceus, which features two snakes on a winged staff.[4] Tracing its lineage back to Greek Mythology the Caduceus is most commonly associated with Hermes, the "messenger of the gods".[5] The similarity of the Caduceus to the unnamed staff of Asclepius, the Greco-Roman god of medicine [6] is what largely led to its wide use as the symbol of physicians, the US Army Medical Corps,[7] and pre-professional fraternities such as Mu Epsilon Delta.
The fraternity's flower is the red rambling rose. Its motto is "With purity and passion I pass my life and practice my art." Its pillars are brotherhood, service, and leadership.[2]
Chapters
As of 2024, ten chapters are active.[2] Following are the chapters of Mu Epsilon Delta.[8]
^Lt.-Col. Fielding H. Garrison, "The use of the caduceus in the insignia of the Army medical officer," Bulletin of the Medical Library Association 9 (1919-1920): 13-16, noted by Engle, 204, note 2