Scripps Health has been a cornerstone in diabetes care in San Diego for the past century, beginning with the establishment of the Scripps Metabolic Clinic in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. This clinic was among the first in the area to offer insulin treatment, laying the foundation for the advanced diabetes care that Scripps provides today.
Over the years, Scripps has achieved significant milestones, including the 1982 opening of the Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology, now known as the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute. This advancement was made possible by a generous donation from N. Paul Whittier and the Whittier family of Los Angeles. Under the leadership of its first medical director, Dr. Willard VanderLaan, the institute has been instrumental in advancing diabetes research, clinical care, and education in the region.
Today, Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas, corporate vice president of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute and an endocrinologist at Scripps Clinic, credits the institute’s success to a legacy of innovative leadership. Successive medical directors, including Dr. Alberto Hayek, Dr. Dan Einhorn, Dr. George Dailey, and Dr. Jeff Sandler, have played pivotal roles in driving advancements in diabetes care.
“Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute serves as a hub for our Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes education programs, unifying and standardizing the care provided across all Scripps locations,” said Dr. Philis-Tsimikas.
Scripps researchers have also been at the forefront of diabetes treatment innovations. From studying the role of hormones in glucose control at the Islet Cell Lab in 1983 to evaluating the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitors in hospitalized patients, Scripps has contributed to numerous clinical trials and advancements in diabetes care.
The institute has also focused on supporting underserved communities through initiatives like Project Dulce, launched in 1997. This multicultural counseling and support program has adapted diabetes education for Hispanic, Black, Filipino, and Vietnamese populations, demonstrating Scripps’ commitment to inclusive care.
In addition to community outreach, Scripps is dedicated to training the next generation of endocrinologists through its Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship Program, established in 1956. Graduates of this program have pursued careers in clinical care, research, and academic medicine.
Scripps also empowers patients to manage their diabetes independently through initiatives like the glucose self-management program and the Behavioral Health Integration Program (BeHIP), which offers therapy options for patients experiencing diabetes-related stress.
As Scripps Health marks 100 years of progress, it continues to lead the way in diabetes care, research, and education, impacting the San Diego community and beyond.