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 >

Colonoscopy vs. Sigmoidoscopy: What’s the Difference?

Colonoscopy vs. Sigmoidoscopy: What’s the Difference?

Colonoscopy vs. Sigmoidoscopy: What’s the Difference?

Colonoscopy examines the full colon; sigmoidoscopy is partial. Compare benefits and stool-based options.

Feb 25 Learn more >

Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments (video/podcast)

Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments (video/podcast)

Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments (video/podcast)

Varuna Raizada, MD, a urogynecologist, explains pelvic floor symptoms, plus treatments that improve bladder, bowel and daily comfort.

Feb 24 Learn more >

The Dangers of Vaping: What Are the Health Risks?

The Dangers of Vaping: What Are the Health Risks?

The Dangers of Vaping: What Are the Health Risks?

Learn the health risks of vaping, including nicotine addiction, lung damage and why e-cigarettes are not safe alternatives.

Feb 24 Learn more >

HPV Vaccine and Cancer Prevention in Kids

HPV Vaccine and Cancer Prevention in Kids

HPV Vaccine and Cancer Prevention in Kids

HPV or the human papillomavirus is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the US. Scripps experts discuss the importance of the HPV vaccine.

Feb 24 Learn more >

Scripps CEO Discusses Challenges Facing Health Systems on IHI Podcast

Scripps CEO Discusses Challenges Facing Health Systems on IHI Podcast

Scripps CEO Discusses Challenges Facing Health Systems on IHI Podcast

Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder was recently the featured guest on Turn on the Lights Podcast.

Feb 20 Learn more >

HPV and Throat Cancer: What People Over 40 Should Know

HPV and Throat Cancer: What People Over 40 Should Know

HPV and Throat Cancer: What People Over 40 Should Know

HPV infections earlier in life can lead to throat cancer decades later. Learn warning signs and prevention steps.

Feb 17 Learn more >

How to Lose Belly Fat: What Actually Works

How to Lose Belly Fat: What Actually Works

How to Lose Belly Fat: What Actually Works

No quick fixes. Learn what works to reduce belly fat, including diet, physical activity, strength training and GLP-1 medications.

Feb 17 Learn more >

Scripps Exit from MA Deemed a Success

Scripps Exit from MA Deemed a Success

Scripps Exit from MA Deemed a Success

Two years after Scripps Health left Medicare Advantage plans, senior executives told Becker’s that the difficult move has proven wise.

Feb 16 Learn more >

Should You Go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care?

Should You Go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care?

Should You Go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care?

Not sure where to go for care in San Diego? Learn when to choose the emergency room, visit urgent care or use a walk-in clinic.

Feb 16 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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