(WXYZ) — A now-deceased University of Michigan doctor is being investigated for complaints of sexual abuse.
The university is asking any former patients of Robert E. Anderson who believe they were subjected to sexual misconduct during a medical exam to contact the U-M Compliance Hotline.
Anderson was a former director of University Health Service and a former athletic team physician who worked at the university from 1968 until his retirement in 2003. He died in 2008.
An investigation began in July 2018 when a former student athlete wrote to Athletic Director Warde Manual to detail abuse during medical exams by Anderson in the early 1970s, the university says.
During the investigation, the university says it identified dozens of people who described incidents of sexual misconduct by Anderson. Now, the university is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
“The allegations that were reported are disturbing and very serious,” said President Mark Schlissel in a news release. “We promptly began a police investigation and cooperated fully with the prosecutor’s office."
A review by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office said that the review of allegations began in April or May of 2019 and concluded in the fall of the same year.
The former patients describe sexual misconduct and unnecessary medical exams, the university says. The exams reportedly took place in the 1970s, with at least one incident reported in the 1990s.
“As part of our commitment to understanding what happened and inform any changes we might need to make, we now are taking the next step to reach out to determine who else might be affected or have additional information to share. Every person in our community should expect to feel safe and supported.”
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office determine that no criminal charges would be authorized.
To submit a report, call the Compliance Hotline at 866-990-0111.
"I want to urge any former student athlete with information they are willing to share confidentially to come forward," Manuel said. "The health and safety of our student athletes is our highest priority."
