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 >

When to Choose Virtual Care and How to Prepare

When to Choose Virtual Care and How to Prepare

When to Choose Virtual Care and How to Prepare

Learn when virtual care is right for you, what conditions it treats and how to prepare for a smooth, successful video visit from home.

Feb 10 Learn more >

Chest Pain: Heart Attack, Panic Attack or Indigestion?

Chest Pain: Heart Attack, Panic Attack or Indigestion?

Chest Pain: Heart Attack, Panic Attack or Indigestion?

Chest pain can be confusing. Learn common causes and when chest pain requires immediate medical attention.

Feb 09 Learn more >

8 Pediatrician-Approved Ways to Help Overcome Your Child's Fear of Shots

8 Pediatrician-Approved Ways to Help Overcome Your Child's Fear of Shots

8 Pediatrician-Approved Ways to Help Overcome Your Child's Fear of Shots

A Scripps pediatrician in San Diego shares practical ways to ease kids' fear of shots and keep vaccines on schedule.

Feb 05 Learn more >

Expert Shares Tips to Help Keep Female Athletes in the Game

Expert Shares Tips to Help Keep Female Athletes in the Game

Expert Shares Tips to Help Keep Female Athletes in the Game

For National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Fox 5 News interviewed Laika Nur, MD, about injury prevention tips specifically geared toward female athletes.

Feb 04 Learn more >

What is Glomerular Disease? (video/podcast)

What is Glomerular Disease? (video/podcast)

What is Glomerular Disease? (video/podcast)

A Scripps nephrologist explains glomerular disease, its symptoms, causes and treatment options, available in San Diego.

Feb 03 Learn more >

Scripps Starts Heart Month on Becker’s List of Top Heart Programs

Scripps Starts Heart Month on Becker’s List of Top Heart Programs

Scripps Starts Heart Month on Becker’s List of Top Heart Programs

Scripps Health once again has been included in Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual list of the 100 top heart programs in the nation.

Feb 02 Learn more >

Heart Disease and Black Women: Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies

Heart Disease and Black Women: Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies

Heart Disease and Black Women: Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies

Black women are disproportionately affected by heart disease. Learn the risk factors and prevention strategies that can save many lives.

Jan 29 Learn more >

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): 10 Must-Know Facts

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): 10 Must-Know Facts

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): 10 Must-Know Facts

Learn symptoms, causes and treatment options for atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of irregular heartbeat.

Jan 28 Learn more >

How Does Gastric Sleeve Work to Help People Lose Weight?

How Does Gastric Sleeve Work to Help People Lose Weight?

How Does Gastric Sleeve Work to Help People Lose Weight?

Mark Takata, a bariatric surgeon at Scripps, explains how gastric sleeve surgery helps patients lose weight and who is a candidate for this procedure.

Jan 27 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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