We understand that there are many questions in our community about the timing of the external investigation into the circumstances that enabled horrific abuse and misconduct by former physician Robert Hadden.
As we have disclosed previously, as part of a multi-pronged plan to support survivors, address the harm they have suffered, and rebuild trust in our community, the University commissioned a respected outside investigator in November 2023 to determine the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue for such a long period of time. That external investigator, Joan Loughnane, is a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, who previously served in a variety of leadership positions in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Developing a full and accurate understanding of the circumstances and behavior that allowed Hadden’s exploitation of patients to persist for so many years is essential for survivors and the University. As part of the external investigation, the investigator has reviewed numerous documents, interviewed witnesses, and established a process for survivors and others with knowledge of Hadden’s abuse to voluntarily share their stories with her. The University has cooperated fully with the investigation. The result of this work will be a public report that will set forth her investigative findings, which is expected to be issued soon. The timing and contents of the report were controlled by the investigator.
The University is committed to fostering an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive for all members of our community. In pursuit of those goals, we have worked to implement best-in-class patient safety policies, expand channels to report physician misconduct, invest in enhanced safeguards, including chaperone systems, and create a new Center for Patient Safety Science.
We will continue to share updates as we have them on our Rebuilding Trust website, which is where the report of the investigator’s findings will be posted once she has completed her investigation.
