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

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

Donate

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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