WWII survivor continues long career
At The Glen at Scripps Ranch retirement community, residents recognize Carla van den Hout as a vibrant, active neighbor who continues to inspire and embody the spirit of caregiving, both locally in San Diego and globally.
Van den Hout survived Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II, came to America with just $200, and went on to spend decades as a nurse caring for patients during some of the nation’s most devastating disasters. Now in her 80s, she continues to serve others, demonstrating that a passion for nursing never fades.
You can say van den Hout was destined to be a caregiver from an early age. Growing up, she witnessed acts of courage and humanity, including helping shelter a Jewish family hidden on her family’s property.
She later earned her nursing degree in Amsterdam and immigrated to America in 1967, working as a nanny during the day and studying at night before becoming a registered nurse. She went on to work at Scripps Memorial Hospital and spent nearly 30 years at UCSD Medical Center.
Van den Hout was among the first members of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) in San Diego, responding to major events including the Sept. 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina. Today, she continues international medical missions, including annual deployments to Honduras, where she works in small hospitals supporting high-volume orthopedic care.
When she’s not volunteering, you can find her doing yoga, water aerobics, and connecting with her neighbors at The Glen at Scripps Ranch. She has inspired many of those who live and work there.