Pennington Biomedical Research Center

"I had traveled 175 miles to be part of a study where the pay was $300 if I completed both halves. That meant the expenses were less than the overall amount I'd get (part of the All of Us research). One of the surveys had questions I couldn't answer because they didn't apply but I was forced to choose an answer as if they did. I asked staff how I was supposed to answer them since it didn't apply. They went to ask someone. Instead of answering me Dr. Frank Greenway stated that I wasn't going to be allowed to participate in the study; that I wasn't a good fit for it which he would not justify other than repeating himself (treating others with respect is not his forte). Apparently good fit is based on not asking questions about bad questions so you know how to answer them. That is an inappropriate response. Instead they should have decided how I should have answered poorly worded questions where neither answer applied because what the question was about didn't apply to me. I was also told I was taking up too much time as I should have filled out some of the surveys in advance. I was never sent the links. I called the previous day to ask for them so I could do them before I arrived and they were not sent. These people are incredibly disorganized. I should have just made up answers (which doesn't help research which is why I asked) so that I could have at least gotten my costs back. My advice is don't ask questions like that so you aren't dumped for inappropriate reasons. It is a shame those are bad questions as that will reduce the accuracy of the research results. A friend did a different study though this center and quit as that person was disgusted about what went on and had the same problem regarding poorly written questions on the survey."

"OMG, from registration to leaving and EVERYTHING in between was AWESOME, the Greeters, Medical Personnel, DJ, Cook, Information Desk Personnel who came out to tell about their programs, studies. All in all very very good and will surely go back again. Praise God for it all."

"Had the covid-19 vaccine here through OLOL Health System. Very well run and smooth vaccine clinic both times! Thank you for doing this and for running it so well! Kudos to all the nurses there and everyone who organized it!"

"The nurses and the whole medical staff was super friendly. We went to Our Lady of the Lake hospital to get Covid19 second vaccine and I was called while there to come to the Pennington Biomedical for the vaccine."

"I hesitated to share about PBRC as I am with their security dept. I have decided to limit my comments to hours of operation and basic policies for visitors. Obviously, there are some policies that have been implemented due to COVID-19; I will try to highlight those. The center is on a rather large piece of land and has a good deal of parking in several lots as well as trails, paved and dirt, for walking and a large open field that is the favorite destination of many canines--and their people too. There is also a lake with a trail around it in a fenced area. You are very welcome to come and walk, to bring your dogs, and to sit and watch the squirrels, birds, and geese as often as you like. There are a few rules: NO FISHING, no parking on the grass, no parking in lots that are obviously for employees and volunteers during business hours (M-F 8-5), and please have control over your dogs at all times. In the lake area, dogs --of any size, any temperament, and ALL levels of training--MUST BE LEASHED. The area is somewhat protected from predators and is frequented by many types of waterfowl--esp geese-- who feel a little more comfortable with their babies because of it. Regardless of your dogs totally excellent behavior, the geese will be more nervous if dogs are unleashed. As a reminder, there is NO fishing and NO swimming and the water is off-limits to all humans and their canine companions. Elsewhere on the grounds, we ask you to remember there are people who are here to get exercise and not to be with dogs. This is not a dog park so much as it is a people park, and anyone who says they were frightened, intimidated, or just weren't comfortable because of your dog will result in your dog being on a leash or walking somewhere else. Please use common sense. Larger dogs can be more frightening just because of their size. If you can't tell your dog to stop or to come and know she will do so, you should probably keep her on a leash unless you were in the middle of an open field and no one was nearby you. If they can be aggressive and you just aren't sure, KEEP THEM ON A LEASH."