N. X. v. Cabrini Medical Center

OPINION OF THE COURT

Wesley, J.

This troubling case involves an egregious abuse of the physician-patient relationship — the conscious use of a doctor’s professional position to exploit a patient’s vulnerabilities for self-gratification through sexual contact. Plaintiff N. X., a young woman recovering from vaginal surgery at Cabrini Medical Center, was sexually assaulted by a surgical resident employed by the hospital. There is no dispute about the assault or the resident’s liability. However, we are called upon to determine whether Cabrini may be liable here under a theory of vicarious…