Robert Hadden, a former obstetrician/gynecologist who was employed by Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), was convicted in federal court of sexually abusing patients and sentenced to 20 years in prison in July 2023. In a 2016 agreement with the Manhattan District Attorney, he had pled guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor and lost his medical license, though he served no jail time.

The University has settled claims with more than 220 survivors of Hadden’s abuse through settlement funds. Hadden left Columbia in 2012 and has not worked as a doctor since.

Under the leadership of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and Katrina Armstrong, MD, CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the University is implementing a multi-pronged plan to support survivors and address the abuse, harm, and trauma they have suffered. Columbia has notified former Hadden patients of his conviction and sentencing, informing these women of their rights and offering them the opportunity to participate in a new Survivors’ Settlement Fund. Columbia also has asked a respected outside investigator to determine the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue for so long. The findings of the investigation will be made public.