Report finds gaps in reporting systems and oversight contributed to environment where Robert Hadden abused patients for decades
A newly released independent investigation commissioned by Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital examines the circumstances that allowed former obstetrician-gynecologist Robert Hadden to sexually abuse patients over a period spanning decades while practicing at affiliated medical facilities.
Read the Report here
The investigation reviewed more than 120,000 documents and included interviews with more than 120 witnesses, according to the report. Investigators examined how complaints involving Hadden were handled and whether institutional reporting and oversight systems functioned effectively during the years he practiced medicine at the institutions.
Hadden practiced obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital from 1987 until 2012.
In January 2023, a federal jury convicted Hadden of multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of patients who sought treatment from him. He was later sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
Review of Institutional Systems
The independent investigation focused on institutional policies and practices rather than relitigating Hadden’s criminal conduct, which has already been established through federal court proceedings.
According to the report, investigators examined:
- how patient complaints about physician misconduct were documented
- whether complaints were escalated to appropriate leadership
- the use and enforcement of chaperone policies during medical examinations
- institutional reporting structures for physician misconduct
- whether systemic or cultural barriers affected reporting
The report concluded that weaknesses in reporting systems, oversight mechanisms, and institutional practices contributed to an environment in which complaints were not consistently addressed.
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Investigators also examined whether structural factors within the institutions may have discouraged escalation of concerns.
2012 Arrest
In 2012, a patient reported to law enforcement that Hadden had sexually assaulted her during a medical appointment. Police arrested him the same day.
According to the report, Hadden was initially permitted to return to limited clinical duties with restrictions requiring a chaperone during patient examinations.
Later that year, his clinical privileges and academic appointment ended after he declined to cooperate with an internal investigation.
Civil Litigation and Institutional Response
Hadden’s conduct has also been the subject of numerous civil lawsuits filed by former patients who allege they were sexually abused during medical examinations.
In response to the scandal, Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian have announced a series of institutional actions, including outreach to thousands of former patients treated by Hadden and the creation of a $100 million survivor compensation fund.
The institutions have also said they are implementing policy changes aimed at strengthening reporting procedures, improving physician oversight, and enhancing patient safety protections.
Ongoing Accountability
Advocates for survivors say the report provides additional insight into how institutional practices may have allowed misconduct to persist for many years.
The investigation concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening complaint-handling procedures, improving oversight of physician conduct, and ensuring that allegations of misconduct are promptly reported and investigated.
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