A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in height overall, consisting of a sanguine (maroon) rococo-shaped shield with an unsheathed sword, point down, and staff of Aesculapius crossed in saltire all gold, below a field hospital tent between on the left an open book and on the right a wheel of a horse drawn field ambulance all white with gold outlines and details, all above a white motto scroll inscribed "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" in gold letters.
The open book alludes to the study of, and schooling in the techniques, practices, improvements and policies of the former Army Medical Field Service indicated by the field hospital tent and the wheel of a field ambulance (horse drawn). The staff of Aesculapius, an ancient symbol of the medical profession and the unsheathed sword (point down to signify the noncombatant role of medical units in active fighting) refer to all aspects of military medical and health sciences. Maroon (sanguine) and argent (silver or white) are the colors used by all Army medical organizations.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for U.S. Army Medical Field Service School on 17 June 1965. It was redesignated for the Academy of Health Sciences and amended to revise the symbolism on 20 February 1973. The description of the insignia was amended to include metric measurements and to extend authorization of wear to personnel of the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School on 5 January 1993. The insignia was redesignated for the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School on 2 June 2005. It was amended to correct the symbolism on 12 February 2013.