A Century of Innovation

Ellen Browning Scripps, a philanthropist and journalist, left an indelible mark on San Diego’s health care landscape when she founded Scripps Memorial Hospital and Scripps Metabolic Clinic in La Jolla in 1924. 


Since then, Scripps has grown into a leading health care system — caring for more than 600,000 patients annually across five hospital campuses, 30 outpatient centers and numerous affiliated physician offices. In addition to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, San Dieguito Hospital in Encinitas, Bay Hospital Medical Center in Chula Vista and Mercy Hospital in San Diego joined Scripps as the organization expanded into a leading health system providing exceptional care and service to people throughout San Diego County. 


From its modest beginnings with only 57 beds in La Jolla, Scripps has continuously evolved, pioneering and leading advancements in health care. We’re especially proud of several notable achievements, including having San Diego’s first female surgeon on staff in 1950 and Scripps’ role in founding the San Diego County trauma system, which became a global model for trauma care. Through philanthropic support and dedicated community involvement, Scripps Health remains steadfast in its mission to provide high quality health care for generations to come.

Explore Our History

Exterior of Scripps Memorial Hospital in the 1920s.

1924 – 1950

Visionary Founders

Our story begins with the opening of Scripps Memorial Hospital and Scripps Metabolic Clinic in La Jolla thanks to Ellen Browning Scripps, and the new Mercy Hospital in San Diego founded by the Sisters of Mercy.

Exterior of Scripps hospital campus in the 1950s.

1950 – 1975

Changing Times

During a building boom in San Diego and rapid change in the health care industry, Scripps continued to evolve and expand in keeping with the changing times.

Exterior of Scripps Memorial Hospital Chula Vista in the 1970s.

1975 – 2000

Growing with the Community

Through key acquisitions, we expanded smaller medical centers into full-service hospitals with modern emergency departments and ICUs in North County and South Bay.

Exterior of Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla.

2000 – 2024

Building for Future Generations

We continue to lead innovations in health care, with milestones in cardiovascular care, cancer care, diabetes and research, serving people throughout San Diego County and Southern California.

A Century of Healing

Then & Now Scripps Health: 50 Years of Leadership

Then & Now Scripps Health: 50 Years of Leadership

Then & Now Scripps Health: 50 Years of Leadership

Ames Early and Chris Van Gorder, who’ve led Scripps for nearly 50 years, reflect on their journeys leading Scripps to new heights.

Aug 20 Learn more >

A Legacy Of World-Class Cardiovascular Care

A Legacy Of World-Class Cardiovascular Care

A Legacy Of World-Class Cardiovascular Care

For decades, Scripps has been a leader in heart care, pioneering treatments for heart failure, valve disease and atrial fibrillation.

Aug 20 Learn more >

Leaders In Cancer Care

Leaders In Cancer Care

Leaders In Cancer Care

Scripps Cancer Center’s patient-focused care and collaborative team approach drive innovation and better outcomes. Learn our history.

Aug 21 Learn more >

Clinical Expertise in Orthopedics

Clinical Expertise in Orthopedics

Clinical Expertise in Orthopedics

For decades, Scripps has been a leader in orthopedic care from research to treating hip, knee, spine and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Aug 27 Learn more >

Advancing Care for Brain and Spine Conditions

Advancing Care for Brain and Spine Conditions

Advancing Care for Brain and Spine Conditions

Learn how Scripps became a leader in neurological care through innovation and treatment of a full range of brain and spinal conditions.

Aug 27 Learn more >

Advanced Care for Critical Injuries

Advanced Care for Critical Injuries

Advanced Care for Critical Injuries

Scripps is one of the main providers of trauma care in San Diego County, overseeing two level 1 trauma centers.

Aug 27 Learn more >

A Century of Diabetes Care

A Century of Diabetes Care

A Century of Diabetes Care

For 100 years, Scripps has been a leader in diabetes care, advancing programs, including for high-risk, underserved communities.

Aug 21 Learn more >

Here for Good for 100 Years

Here for Good for 100 Years

Here for Good for 100 Years

Founded in 1924, Scripps has evolved into a top health care system in the nation, upholding Ms. Ellen Browning Scripps' legacy of caring.

Apr 26 Learn more >

Decades of Dedication, Stories of Service

Decades of Dedication, Stories of Service

Decades of Dedication, Stories of Service

Meet some of the longest serving members of the Scripps family and follow their stories of decades of service and dedication.

Apr 26 Learn more >

How To Lose Weight Fast (video)

How To Lose Weight Fast (video)

How To Lose Weight Fast (video)

Scripps weight management expert Ken Fujioka, MD, shares tips for losing weight fast, including using a scale and smart food choices.

Jan 07 Learn more >

Cuts Will Be Costly to Local Hospitals

Cuts Will Be Costly to Local Hospitals

Cuts Will Be Costly to Local Hospitals

Scripps Health and other local health systems are bracing for potentially large funding cuts, according to recent media coverage.

Jan 07 Learn more >

Types of Back Pain: What They Mean and When to See a Doctor

Types of Back Pain: What They Mean and When to See a Doctor

Types of Back Pain: What They Mean and When to See a Doctor

From muscle strain to nerve pain, learn common types of back pain, what causes them and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Jan 06 Learn more >

Brain Tumor Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Brain Tumor Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Brain Tumor Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Brain tumors are rare but early symptoms matter. Learn warning signs, like headaches, seizures and vision changes and when to seek help.

Jan 05 Learn more >

Do You Have a Cold or the Flu?

Do You Have a Cold or the Flu?

Do You Have a Cold or the Flu?

Learn the difference between a cold and the flu. Both have similar symptoms, but the flu is more severe. Follow our care tips.

Jan 05 Learn more >

Scripps Triplets Featured in Media Reports

Scripps Triplets Featured in Media Reports

Scripps Triplets Featured in Media Reports

From newlyweds to new parents, Stacie and Neal Radia mark their first Christmas as a family of five with newborn triplets.

Dec 31 Learn more >

Stay Safe at the Beach During King Tides

Stay Safe at the Beach During King Tides

Stay Safe at the Beach During King Tides

Southern California king tides bring flooding, strong waves and danger. Learn how to avoid flooding, waves and coastal hazards.

Dec 31 Learn more >

Scripps Health Shares its Top News Stories of 2025

Scripps Health Shares its Top News Stories of 2025

Scripps Health Shares its Top News Stories of 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Scripps shares its top news stories from opening new facilities to driving innovative research to improving patient treatments.

Dec 30 Learn more >

Advancing Excellence: Shaping the Future of Scripps

Here for Good

We’re reimagining the future of health care with our $500 million Here for Good capital campaign to fund innovation and expansion across the Scripps system.


Join the Here for Good Campaign

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Giving is a powerful act that enriches the lives of those who give and receive. Help us transform patient care, enable key discoveries and perform lifesaving surgeries. 


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