When former OB-GYN Robert Hadden was arrested in 2012 for [SA] a patient, one physician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center came to his defense despite knowing the “full scope of the allegation” against him: his supervisor and chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department, Mary D’Alton.

Relying on D’Alton’s assurances of Hadden’s “high character” and clear record, administrators allowed Hadden to return to work—a five-week period during which he [A] at least eight patients, a 2023 ProPublica investigation found. After a March 10 University-commissioned report revealed D’Alton’s role in enabling the abuse, she committed to stepping down as chair.

But nearly one month after D’Alton’s commitment, Columbia announced that she may remain chair until May 1.

Following Spectator’s request for comment on her continued chairship, Columbia announced Thursday that Lisa Nathan, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and chief of obstetrics at Sloane Hospital for Women at the medical center, will replace D’Alton as interim chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department by May 1.