"Gula (also known as Ninkarrak and Ninisinna) was not solely responsible for health and healing, however, but was assisted by her family, including her consort Pabilsag (also a divine judge), her sons Damu and Ninazu, and daughter Gunurra. The rod intertwined with serpents, which today is the insignia of the medical profession, originated with her son Ninazu, who was associated with serpents, transformation, the underworld, and healing."
"A doctor had to first study to become a scribe, then focus on medical treatises, and finally concentrate on their specialization. Learning cuneiform script and mastering the curriculum of the scribal school took at least 10-12 years before one could devote oneself wholly to the study of medicine. Once recognized as a doctor, however, Mesopotamian physicians generally lived very comfortable lives."
Ancient Mesopotamian religion permeated daily life and shaped medical practice. Gula, also called Ninkarrak and Ninisinna, functioned as the principal healing deity for over two millennia and worked alongside consort Pabilsag, sons Damu and Ninazu, and daughter Gunurra. Ninazu's association with serpents originated the rod entwined with serpents later used as a medical insignia. Physicians operated as agents of deities and performed roles equivalent to modern general practitioners, specialists, surgeons, dentists, faith healers, and therapists. Medical training required scribal schooling and mastery of cuneiform, typically taking 10–12 years before medical specialization. Recognized physicians held high social status and comfortable lives. Illness causes were commonly attributed to sins.
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