Today, I am announcing my intention to step down as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. It has been my honor to serve as a physician-scientist, educator, and administrator at Columbia for more than 25 years.
I cannot adequately express the sorrow I feel for the suffering Robert Hadden inflicted on so many women. That any physician would exploit a patient’s vulnerability in this way is an appalling violation of the trust at the heart of the doctor–patient relationship. That these acts were committed by a doctor in our department, including while I was Chair, pains me deeply and always will.
I have worked to implement changes within the department to strengthen patient safety and protections designed to ensure that nothing like this could ever happen again. Throughout the numerous investigations into Hadden’s horrific behavior, I participated fully, openly, and honestly. With the completion of this investigation, I believe it is the right time for me to step down.
As a woman, a physician, and a leader in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, my guiding purpose has always been to improve the health and well-being of women and their families. I am enormously grateful to my colleagues across the University and the Hospital with whom I have had the honor to build clinical programs, care for our community, educate future physicians, and conduct transformative research.
I remain committed to supporting this vital work.
