Updated February 27, 2026

Robert Hadden, a former obstetrician/gynecologist who was employed by Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), was convicted in July 2023 in federal court of sexually abusing patients and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which he is currently serving. In a 2016 agreement between Hadden and the Manhattan District Attorney, he pled guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor and lost his medical license, though he served no jail time at that time. Hadden left Columbia in 2012 and has not worked as a doctor since. 

The University is implementing a multi-pronged plan to support survivors; to address the abuse, harm, and trauma they have suffered; and to rebuild trust among our community. As part of this plan, Columbia notified former Hadden patients of his conviction and sentencing; informed them of their rights; and offered them the opportunity to participate in a Survivors’ Settlement Fund.

Settlement Fund

In February 2024, Columbia University launched a $100 million Survivors’ Settlement Fund. Columbia University is extending the deadline to submit a claim to the Survivors’ Settlement Fund to April 15, 2026, to provide additional time for former patients of Robert Hadden to apply to the fund.

The University has settled claims with hundreds of survivors of Hadden’s abuse through settlement funds. 

External Investigation

As part of a multi-pronged plan to support survivors; to address the abuse, harm, and trauma they have suffered; and to rebuild trust among our community, Columbia commissioned a respected outside investigator to determine the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue for so long; to establish a process for survivors and others with knowledge of Hadden’s abuse can voluntarily reach out to share their stories with the investigator; and to issue public findings. The investigator has set up a voicemail box at 212-839-6000 and an email at haddeninfo@sidley.com where those who want to be interviewed can provide their contact information. The external investigation is ongoing, and the University does not control its timing. A report has not been delivered to Columbia. When the investigator has completed their investigation, the report of their findings will be posted on this website.