Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Reach $165 Million Agreement with 147 Past Patients of Former Gynecologist Robert Hadden

Columbia University Irving Medical Center (“CUIMC”) and NewYork-Presbyterian (“NYP”) today announced that they have reached an agreement with a remaining group of 147 past patients of former gynecologist Robert Hadden. The women are among the patients who reported instances of sexual abuse or misconduct by Hadden, who has not worked as a doctor since 2012.

The agreement announced establishes a compensation fund of $165,081,000 to be distributed among the women under the direction of an independent special master jointly selected by the parties. It follows a similar settlement announced in December of last year between CUIMC and NYP and an initial group of 79 women who were also patients of Hadden.

Hadden was convicted in 2016 in New York state court following a guilty plea to a criminal sex act in the third degree and forcible touching and was required to surrender his medical license. Hadden is now awaiting trial in federal court on eight criminal counts of bringing women across state lines for the purpose of sexual abuse from 1993 to 2012.

In a statement, CUIMC said: “We deeply regret the pain that Robert Hadden’s patients suffered and hope that these resolutions will provide some measure of support for the women he hurt. All those who came forward should be commended. We are committed to the safety and dignity of every one of our patients and have adopted policies to ensure they are protected and empowered while in our care.”

Over the past decade, CUIMC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has revised existing policies, adopted new ones and expanded resources to earn and maintain patients’ trust. The Department’s overriding commitment to patient safety is expressed through continuous evaluation and improvement of practices and services to create an environment where patients not only are safe—but feel safe. Please see the patient safety webpage for more information on mandated training for Ob/Gyn physicians, chaperones and clinicians; the Department’s chaperone policy; Patient Safety and Compliance hotlines; and the role of the Patient Experience Coordinator.

Source – Columbia University