At Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), we pledge to every patient who trusts us with their care that they will receive the highest quality health services in an environment grounded in patient safety, respect, dignity, and support.

The abuse committed by Robert Hadden, a former obstetrician/gynecologist who was employed by Columbia, was a betrayal of that pledge and of our patient’s trust in us. We are profoundly sorry for the pain and trauma that Hadden’s patients suffered, and we deeply regret the impact his abuse has had on survivors and on our entire community. 

This website was created to share the steps Columbia University and CUIMC have taken in response to Hadden’s crimes and to outline the actions we are taking to address patient safety, transparency, and accountability. 

The University is implementing a robust plan to support survivors; to address the abuse, harm, and trauma they have suffered; and to restore trust among our community. As part of these efforts, 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.

External Investigation

Hadden 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. 

In November 2023, Columbia chose to commission an external investigation to determine the circumstances and environment 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. This investigation is a reflection of our commitment to transparency and to doing all we can to understand and address the circumstances that allowed this horrific abuse to occur.

The external investigation is now complete.

Read the Report

A letter to the Columbia University community.

Read the Letter

Settlement Fund

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

Settlements

Columbia has entered into voluntary settlements with more than 1,000 former Hadden patients for over $1 billion.

Updated 3/10/2026