Dr. Reginald Archibald - Rockefeller University Hospital

We have come to learn that Dr. Reginald Archibald, who retired from the Rockefeller University Hospital in 1982, engaged in certain inappropriate conduct during patient examinations. The Hospital and University deeply regret pain and suffering caused to any of Dr. Archibald’s former patients.

Dr. Archibald began working at The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (later, The Rockefeller University) as a visiting investigator in 1940, and at the Hospital as an assistant resident physician from 1941‐1946. He later returned as a Hospital senior physician and University professor from 1948‐1980, with medical staff privileges at the Hospital until 1982. He became professor emeritus in 1980 and senior physician emeritus in 1987. He passed away in 2007. Dr. Archibald studied childhood growth and maturation, focusing on children of short stature.

In 2004, The Rockefeller University Hospital was informed of a report by a former patient related to the propriety of certain of Dr. Archibald’s conduct during physical examinations. The University notified the federal Office of Human Research Protections, the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct, and the Manhattan District Attorney. In addition, the University retained legal counsel Debevoise & Plimpton LLP to investigate. Following its review of then‐available information, including from interviews with former patients, faculty, administrators, and staff, and two prior reports made in the 1990s that were located, Debevoise found certain allegations credible and determined that it was likely that some of Dr. Archibald’s behavior towards this patient was inappropriate. A policy relating to the further protection of pediatric patients was added to the Hospital’s then‐existing safeguards and
processes designed to protect patients.

Earlier this year, another former patient of Dr. Archibald’s, who had not been identified in the 2004 investigation, came forward to make a similar report. In response, the University again reported the matter to appropriate state and federal authorities and re‐engaged Debevoise to investigate further. The 2018 investigation benefited from additional information that was not available in 2004, including information from several former patients who came forward. Based on its investigation, the law firm concluded that some of Dr. Archibald’s behaviors involving these patients were inappropriate.

In response to these findings, Dr. Archibald’s emeritus status at the Hospital and University have been rescinded and references to him have been removed from the Hospital and University webpages.