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 >

CBS 8 TV Explores Rise in HPV-Related Oral Cancers

CBS 8 TV Explores Rise in HPV-Related Oral Cancers

CBS 8 TV Explores Rise in HPV-Related Oral Cancers

April is National Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month and Brendan Gaylis, MD, discussed prevention and early detection strategies with CBS 8 TV.

Apr 08 Learn more >

Scripps Leader Chosen Among Nation’s Top Chief Digital Officers

Scripps Leader Chosen Among Nation’s Top Chief Digital Officers

Scripps Leader Chosen Among Nation’s Top Chief Digital Officers

Becker’s Hospital Review has named Scripps Health's Shane Thielman to its 2026 list of Chief Digital Officers to Know.

Apr 07 Learn more >

What Vulvar Itching or Burning Could Be Telling You

What Vulvar Itching or Burning Could Be Telling You

What Vulvar Itching or Burning Could Be Telling You

Persistent vulvar itching or burning may signal skin conditions like contact dermatitis. Learn the causes and when to see a doctor.

Apr 06 Learn more >

Why Does Cancer Cause Weight Loss?

Why Does Cancer Cause Weight Loss?

Why Does Cancer Cause Weight Loss?

Unexplained weight loss may signal cancer. Learn how it affects metabolism, appetite and how care teams support recovery.

Apr 02 Learn more >

Why Newborns Get a Vitamin K Shot and Eye Ointment at Birth

Why Newborns Get a Vitamin K Shot and Eye Ointment at Birth

Why Newborns Get a Vitamin K Shot and Eye Ointment at Birth

Newborns receive a vitamin K shot and eye ointment to prevent serious bleeding and infections, providing safe protection from birth.

Apr 02 Learn more >

How to Manage Hot Flashes and Night Sweats During Menopause

How to Manage Hot Flashes and Night Sweats During Menopause

How to Manage Hot Flashes and Night Sweats During Menopause

Hot flashes and night sweats are common in menopause. Learn causes and how lifestyle habits and treatments can reduce symptoms.

Apr 02 Learn more >

Scripps Health Once Again Recognized Among Fortune’s Top 100 US Employers

Scripps Health Once Again Recognized Among Fortune’s Top 100 US Employers

Scripps Health Once Again Recognized Among Fortune’s Top 100 US Employers

Scripps Health today was recognized as one of the nation’s leading employers by Fortune magazine and is the only San Diego organization included in 2026.

Apr 01 Learn more >

How Weight-Loss Drugs Can Affect Skin and Hair (video/podcast)

How Weight-Loss Drugs Can Affect Skin and Hair (video/podcast)

How Weight-Loss Drugs Can Affect Skin and Hair (video/podcast)

A Scripps dermatologist explains “Ozempic face,” hair loss and other skin changes linked to rapid weight loss with GLP-1 medications.

Mar 31 Learn more >

What to Do When You Throw Your Back Out

What to Do When You Throw Your Back Out

What to Do When You Throw Your Back Out

Threw your back out? Learn what to do right away, when to see a doctor and how to relieve pain and recover safely at home.

Mar 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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