Medical subject wrongfully banned by misrepresentation of a hostile employee

[kapeedmaro]

State of Florida

I've been doing medical studies since 2002. This is a lot more competitive than you might realize. These studies pay very well (ranging anywhere from 150$-400$, averaging at about 225$ a day) Since 2011 I've done multiple studies at Covance Daytona, and it has been very difficult due to the staff being exceptionally unprofessional from the beginning. For the most part I can overlook this, as creating any sort of an issue, especially over something that is very difficult to prove, is a sure fire way to not get asked back. I've been mostly 'grinning and bearing it' through these awkward situations, but I've been singled out because I would not give certain staff members 'special' attention. That sort of thing is very hard to prove though, however, certain policy absurd changes based around my personal habits combined with the fact that I'm not a disagreeable person who acts professionally supports what I'm saying.

There are certain laws in medical studies that are used to protect the information of a participating subject. It pretty much states that the medical facility is only allowed to share information that the subject (hereby referred to as the contractor) allows. Now there have been staff of the opposite sex (and same sex too to make things more interesting) that have taken far too much interest in my personal life. I try as hard as I can to keep my personal and professional life as separate as I can, except for one major detail. I'm pretty much on the phone with my fiance any time I'm allowed to.

She has been ill for years, and really, she is seriously ill. I'm always worried that today could be her last day, and if this fact in and of itself is not traumatizing enough, the same people who've taken more of an interest in my personal life than they should had made it their mission to sabotage in anyway they could my ability to use my cellphone to talk with her. More so, they've enacted rule making it to where I can't have her on the phone during a procedure, And while some procedures this makes sense which I have no problem with, many it is irrelevant and was enacted specifically to keep me off the phone as much as possible.

One of the staff members (the worst) demanded to see a picture of her and asked me wayyy to many questions about our relationship and almost demanded that we weren't getting married (it was said in a way that was something between a question and a demand.) Pretty much every time there has been an issue this one employee seems to be lurking in the midst if not right up front with this creepy ****ing stare every time which has done more than unnerve me, especially considering recent developments. Also a large group of the women there rushed out in a completely obvious way to try and get a look at my fiance when she came to pick me up on more than one occasion. Many of those don't work there anymore, but the worst one still does, and that is where we end up...

On june 21st I was taken aside and told I could not use my phone during screening (which is fine with me, I don't, though I keep it handy in case my fiance has an accident.) and then told I could not use my phone in any public area, which is completely absurd and was another attempt to limit my phone use there. Now I had let many of the staff members who took too much of an interest in my personal life and gave me difficulties with using my phone know that my fiance was very ill, and this year alone she has spent over two months in the hospital and had a large mass removed from her abdomen which is very provable. They told me they wouldn't argue with me to which I responded, I'm not arguing, I will do whatever you need me to do, but I was letting you know that it is a very difficult situation for me since my fiance is very ill. I was a backup in that group (which I knew I would be, I didn't mind) but I was told I would get first pick in the group that was checking in ten days later. About three days before check in I'm told I am permabanned in a really roundabout way. Though I was told the issue was resolved at the time, apparently someone decided to either create additional issues that didn't happen, or blow out of proportion the issue that was already created, and decided, without any representation, that I was a problem and needed to be removed. This was mere days before the next check in which even if I had any issues, which I wouldn't have, I still would've been able to get backup pay, but realistically, I would've gotten into the study and made 2800$ which would've gone to rent and food. I'm positive that the person who has been harassing me this whole time is the one behind this, and even the policy change. I feel this was a spiteful act committed because I would not respond to her advances. I need help, but I don't know what to do and I'm at the end of my rope -in all respects. I don't think there is any light at the end of the tunnel and I'm starting to feel like the world is full of small minded selfish sociopaths and don't know if there are any options left.

Please tell me there is light a the end of the tunnel, and that it is something better than an oncoming train.

 

[Proserpina]

State of Florida

I've been doing medical studies since 2002. This is a lot more competitive than you might realize. These studies pay very well (ranging anywhere from 150$-400$, averaging at about 225$ a day) Since 2011 I've done multiple studies at Covance Daytona, and it has been very difficult due to the staff being exceptionally unprofessional from the beginning. For the most part I can overlook this, as creating any sort of an issue, especially over something that is very difficult to prove, is a sure fire way to not get asked back. I've been mostly 'grinning and bearing it' through these awkward situations, but I've been singled out because I would not give certain staff members 'special' attention. That sort of thing is very hard to prove though, however, certain policy absurd changes based around my personal habits combined with the fact that I'm not a disagreeable person who acts professionally supports what I'm saying.

There are certain laws in medical studies that are used to protect the information of a participating subject. It pretty much states that the medical facility is only allowed to share information that the subject (hereby referred to as the contractor) allows. Now there have been staff of the opposite sex (and same sex too to make things more interesting) that have taken far too much interest in my personal life. I try as hard as I can to keep my personal and professional life as separate as I can, except for one major detail. I'm pretty much on the phone with my fiance any time I'm allowed to.

She has been ill for years, and really, she is seriously ill. I'm always worried that today could be her last day, and if this fact in and of itself is not traumatizing enough, the same people who've taken more of an interest in my personal life than they should had made it their mission to sabotage in anyway they could my ability to use my cellphone to talk with her. More so, they've enacted rule making it to where I can't have her on the phone during a procedure, And while some procedures this makes sense which I have no problem with, many it is irrelevant and was enacted specifically to keep me off the phone as much as possible.

One of the staff members (the worst) demanded to see a picture of her and asked me wayyy to many questions about our relationship and almost demanded that we weren't getting married (it was said in a way that was something between a question and a demand.) Pretty much every time there has been an issue this one employee seems to be lurking in the midst if not right up front with this creepy ****ing stare every time which has done more than unnerve me, especially considering recent developments. Also a large group of the women there rushed out in a completely obvious way to try and get a look at my fiance when she came to pick me up on more than one occasion. Many of those don't work there anymore, but the worst one still does, and that is where we end up...

On june 21st I was taken aside and told I could not use my phone during screening (which is fine with me, I don't, though I keep it handy in case my fiance has an accident.) and then told I could not use my phone in any public area, which is completely absurd and was another attempt to limit my phone use there. Now I had let many of the staff members who took too much of an interest in my personal life and gave me difficulties with using my phone know that my fiance was very ill, and this year alone she has spent over two months in the hospital and had a large mass removed from her abdomen which is very provable. They told me they wouldn't argue with me to which I responded, I'm not arguing, I will do whatever you need me to do, but I was letting you know that it is a very difficult situation for me since my fiance is very ill. I was a backup in that group (which I knew I would be, I didn't mind) but I was told I would get first pick in the group that was checking in ten days later. About three days before check in I'm told I am permabanned in a really roundabout way. Though I was told the issue was resolved at the time, apparently someone decided to either create additional issues that didn't happen, or blow out of proportion the issue that was already created, and decided, without any representation, that I was a problem and needed to be removed. This was mere days before the next check in which even if I had any issues, which I wouldn't have, I still would've been able to get backup pay, but realistically, I would've gotten into the study and made 2800$ which would've gone to rent and food. I'm positive that the person who has been harassing me this whole time is the one behind this, and even the policy change. I feel this was a spiteful act committed because I would not respond to her advances. I need help, but I don't know what to do and I'm at the end of my rope -in all respects. I don't think there is any light at the end of the tunnel and I'm starting to feel like the world is full of small minded selfish sociopaths and don't know if there are any options left.

Please tell me there is light a the end of the tunnel, and that it is something better than an oncoming train.

Well what are the chances of that?! The first person to answer your thread is...

...an ex employee of Covance! How bout that?

The bottom line is, you are included in a study only as long as you're deemed fit. Study designs require both parties to agree before the protocol can be put in place (the testing facilities and the actual drug manufacturer). As long as that's done, the drug company really doesn't give a fart about how you're treated as long as it's not against the law.

Given your situation, my feeling is that you wouldn't have a cat in hell's chance of getting anything from them.

Were they unprofessional? Maybe
Was the subject a problem? Looks like it

You came across as an awkward, troublesome subject. That's really all there is to it.


Sorry.

 

[kapeedmaro]

Looks can be decieving

I guess it is 'troubling' to wade through all the information I gave and actually take it all in before coming to a snap judgement, eh?

The only reason I have so much to say is because I gladly jumped through whatever hoops put before me for years, and indeed, still would've, and was screwed to the wall anyways.

Please don't take any personal offense, being that you once worked at covance, that I dealt with some of your ex-coworkers who acted less than professional. Your snap judgement really doesn't add anything valid to the conversation.

I don't enjoy dealing with people who are unprofessional, but for the sake of being professional I gladly would.

by Proserpina
Well what are the chances of that?! The first person to answer your thread is...

...an ex employee of Covance! How bout that?

Okay

by Proserpina
The bottom line is, you are included in a study only as long as you're deemed fit. Study designs require both parties to agree before the protocol can be put in place (the testing facilities and the actual drug manufacturer). As long as that's done, the drug company really doesn't give a fart about how you're treated as long as it's not against the law.

This doesn't really address what I've said, and sexual harassment/discrimination is against the law.

by Proserpina
Given your situation, my feeling is that you wouldn't have a cat in hell's chance of getting anything from them.

You actually sound more like someone who still works for Covance and is trying to discourage me from doing research, or possibly you've convinced yourself the only reason I'm doing this is because I'm lazy and want money. What I really want is to not be banned from a place I compete with other people to pay my bills, and am now being unfairly excluded from. Also, unless your just trying to come up with new metaphors that don't make any sense, it is traditionally 'a snowballs chance in hell.'

by Proserpina
Were they unprofessional? Maybe
Was the subject a problem? Looks like it

Well, that's odd, you have expressed lot of very complicated conclusions in a few simple statements. First of all, you were not present at the situations and seem entirely unfamiliar with situations of that kind considering your response. Please, let's avoid snap judgements that only serve to unnecessarily attack the person who is looking for help, Thanks!

by Proserpina
You came across as an awkward, troublesome subject. That's really all there is to it.

You came across as an internet troll, but maybe your just not open minded or intelligent enough to legitimately understand what it is I am trying to get across, nor the communication I am looking for.

by Proserpina
Sorry.

I'm understanding that you mean that in the tone of a game show host, since, you seem to think this is just a game. Honestly, I know that this is not an easy task, and while it would be nice, I'm not expecting an easy answer. I understand there's maybe nothing that can be done. If your trolling, poor form, if you work for Covance and are trying to dissuade me from looking into this, this is not the right approach either, and if your just some jack-ass who doesn't give a ****, more power to you, but I'm not interested in your baseless opinion of my situation, thanks.

So... back to the subject...

 

[tranquility]

The subject is medical studies and the predicate is you have no property right in being chosen. You would not even have standing to bring anything here to court.

 

[quincy]

State of Florida

I've been doing medical studies since 2002. This is a lot more competitive than you might realize. These studies pay very well (ranging anywhere from 150$-400$, averaging at about 225$ a day) Since 2011 I've done multiple studies at Covance Daytona, and it has been very difficult due to the staff being exceptionally unprofessional from the beginning. For the most part I can overlook this, as creating any sort of an issue, especially over something that is very difficult to prove, is a sure fire way to not get asked back. I've been mostly 'grinning and bearing it' through these awkward situations, but I've been singled out because I would not give certain staff members 'special' attention. That sort of thing is very hard to prove though, however, certain policy absurd changes based around my personal habits combined with the fact that I'm not a disagreeable person who acts professionally supports what I'm saying.

There are certain laws in medical studies that are used to protect the information of a participating subject. It pretty much states that the medical facility is only allowed to share information that the subject (hereby referred to as the contractor) allows. Now there have been staff of the opposite sex (and same sex too to make things more interesting) that have taken far too much interest in my personal life. I try as hard as I can to keep my personal and professional life as separate as I can, except for one major detail. I'm pretty much on the phone with my fiance any time I'm allowed to.

She has been ill for years, and really, she is seriously ill. I'm always worried that today could be her last day, and if this fact in and of itself is not traumatizing enough, the same people who've taken more of an interest in my personal life than they should had made it their mission to sabotage in anyway they could my ability to use my cellphone to talk with her. More so, they've enacted rule making it to where I can't have her on the phone during a procedure, And while some procedures this makes sense which I have no problem with, many it is irrelevant and was enacted specifically to keep me off the phone as much as possible.

One of the staff members (the worst) demanded to see a picture of her and asked me wayyy to many questions about our relationship and almost demanded that we weren't getting married (it was said in a way that was something between a question and a demand.) Pretty much every time there has been an issue this one employee seems to be lurking in the midst if not right up front with this creepy ****ing stare every time which has done more than unnerve me, especially considering recent developments. Also a large group of the women there rushed out in a completely obvious way to try and get a look at my fiance when she came to pick me up on more than one occasion. Many of those don't work there anymore, but the worst one still does, and that is where we end up...

On june 21st I was taken aside and told I could not use my phone during screening (which is fine with me, I don't, though I keep it handy in case my fiance has an accident.) and then told I could not use my phone in any public area, which is completely absurd and was another attempt to limit my phone use there. Now I had let many of the staff members who took too much of an interest in my personal life and gave me difficulties with using my phone know that my fiance was very ill, and this year alone she has spent over two months in the hospital and had a large mass removed from her abdomen which is very provable. They told me they wouldn't argue with me to which I responded, I'm not arguing, I will do whatever you need me to do, but I was letting you know that it is a very difficult situation for me since my fiance is very ill. I was a backup in that group (which I knew I would be, I didn't mind) but I was told I would get first pick in the group that was checking in ten days later. About three days before check in I'm told I am permabanned in a really roundabout way. Though I was told the issue was resolved at the time, apparently someone decided to either create additional issues that didn't happen, or blow out of proportion the issue that was already created, and decided, without any representation, that I was a problem and needed to be removed. This was mere days before the next check in which even if I had any issues, which I wouldn't have, I still would've been able to get backup pay, but realistically, I would've gotten into the study and made 2800$ which would've gone to rent and food. I'm positive that the person who has been harassing me this whole time is the one behind this, and even the policy change. I feel this was a spiteful act committed because I would not respond to her advances. I need help, but I don't know what to do and I'm at the end of my rope -in all respects. I don't think there is any light at the end of the tunnel and I'm starting to feel like the world is full of small minded selfish sociopaths and don't know if there are any options left.

Please tell me there is light a the end of the tunnel, and that it is something better than an oncoming train.

I don't see a legal question in either of your massive amounts of text. Are you questioning whether you are legally allowed to use your cell phone?

As a note, you say you "don't enjoy dealing with unprofessional people." Your post above is not exactly professional. Perhaps it is your attitude and not others that is causing a problem for you?

 

[kapeedmaro]

by quincy
I don't see a legal question in either of your massive amounts of text. Are you questioning whether you are legally allowed to use your cell phone?

I gave details to help knowledgeable individuals who feel kind enough to take a moment of their time to possible put themselves in my shoes and consider what they would do. I'm not in an easy situation, if I was, I wouldn't be asking for help, since I'm not a simple minded individual. I apologize for expecting as much as I did.

by quincy
As a note, you say you "don't enjoy dealing with unprofessional people." Your post above is not exactly professional. Perhaps it is your attitude and not others that is causing a problem for you?

I hope you realize that all your doing here is asking me if it is my unprofessional attitude that is the problem. More so, you didn't seem to understand what I've explained, nor what I was asking. So essentially you have no idea what I'm saying. I understand if you want to ask question to clarify something for you, but to completely miss my point and respond as you did serves nobody.

The question was a simple plea for advice from what I hoped was a site with people who used understanding the application of the law as a hobby, possibly leading them to being knowledgeable on such things. If nothing else at least some intellectual stimulation. It is unfortunate that so far people are quick to complain about the length, and imply some sort of unprofessional connotation on my part rather than addressing my concern. First of all, I'm not at work, I'm not getting paid for this (And I realize you aren't either.) I'm not trying to give the people of this site a hard time either, but I do find it difficult when I've so far seen little effort or logic put into the responses. Please, only try to read it if the dizzying length of my question doesn't fry your brain...

Does anyone know what professional means anymore?

pro·fes·sion·al
prəˈfeSHənl
adjective
1.
of, relating to, or connected with a profession.
"young professional people"
synonyms: white-collar, nonmanual More
antonyms: blue-collar
2.
(of a person) engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
"a professional boxer"
synonyms: paid, salaried More

I am a professional human test subject, and what I have communicated here, traditionally, goes far beyond that scope, so let's get that straight before we continue.

 

[cbg]

Nothing in the law requires that you be accepted as a subject. Regardless of what "misrepresentations" you feel were made. Nothing was wrongful (illegal) because you do not have a right under the law to be included in the study. It may or may not have been fair. It was not illegal. Professionalism is not a legal concept.

 

[kapeedmaro]

The subject is medical studies and the predicate is you have no property right in being chosen. You would not even have standing to bring anything here to court.

I realize that, and if you had read more carefully you would have realize that is not in any what what I was referring to. I'm talking about a situation in which I'm being discriminated against because I've tried to ignore the improper and personal efforts thrust upon me by woman/women at the place where I do studies. I really hope someone takes the time to try and actually understand what I'm saying instead of using this site as some sort of dumbed down law based version of sudoku to keep the cobwebs from becoming too entrenched in their dusty brains. I don't refer to you alone, but so far the combined brain power of every individual who has responded has been at best lackluster if not utterly unapplied. I'm getting off topic trying to figure out why people bother to respond to something they for whatever reason can't or simply don't have the energy to understand.

 

[cbg]

No illegal discrimination took place.

 

[kapeedmaro]

Nothing in the law requires that you be accepted as a subject. Regardless of what "misrepresentations" you feel were made. Nothing was wrongful (illegal) because you do not have a right under the law to be included in the study. It may or may not have been fair. It was not illegal. Professionalism is not a legal concept.

This is the first person who has actually attempted to understand the question before answering, and I truly appreciate that. It honestly restored some hope in me. Now, I understand that there is nothing in the law that requires me to be accepted as a subject, however, discrimination is a tricky thing, so is sexual harassment. These in addition to someone responding to punishing me on a professional level based on these things creates the basis for a law suit.

http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=532

discrimination
n. unequal treatment of persons, for a reason which has nothing to do with legal rights or ability. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in employment, availability of housing, rates of pay, right to promotion, educational opportunity, civil rights, and use of facilities based on race, nationality, creed, color, age, sex or sexual orientation. The rights to protest discrimination or enforce one's rights to equal treatment are provided in various federal and state laws, which allow for private lawsuits with the right to damages. There are also federal and state commissions to investigate and enforce equal rights.

Now the discrimination is the result of me not responding to unwanted sexual attention. I don't know if there is a single truly knowledgeable person on this site, but if there is, now is your time to shine. Now I know that it is more difficult because I didn't report it, however I can argue that I didn't report it because I was afraid my issues would not be addressed and I would be discriminated against doing further studies (i.e. duress.)

 

[kapeedmaro]

No illegal discrimination took place.

Why did you have to ruin it? First of all, you are not a judge. I'm not looking for a judge nor disinterested parties. I guess I took too much of a leap in giving you the credit I did, but having someone discriminate against me because I will not respond to their sexual advances is in fact discrimination.

 

[quincy]

This is the first person who has actually attempted to understand the question before answering, and I truly appreciate that. It honestly restored some hope in me. Now, I understand that there is nothing in the law that requires me to be accepted as a subject, however, discrimination is a tricky thing, so is sexual harassment. These in addition to someone responding to punishing me on a professional level based on these things creates the basis for a law suit.

http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=532

discrimination
n. unequal treatment of persons, for a reason which has nothing to do with legal rights or ability. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in employment, availability of housing, rates of pay, right to promotion, educational opportunity, civil rights, and use of facilities based on race, nationality, creed, color, age, sex or sexual orientation. The rights to protest discrimination or enforce one's rights to equal treatment are provided in various federal and state laws, which allow for private lawsuits with the right to damages. There are also federal and state commissions to investigate and enforce equal rights.

Now the discrimination is the result of me not responding to unwanted sexual attention. I don't know if there is a single truly knowledgeable person on this site, but if there is, now is your time to shine. Now I know that it is more difficult because I didn't report it, however I can argue that I didn't report it because I was afraid my issues would not be addressed and I would be discriminated against doing further studies (i.e. duress.)

I think you need to seek legal help from an attorney in your area because, quite frankly, only someone who is getting paid is going to put up with your attitude. That is my legal advice to you.

You are one of the rudest posters to have visited this site in quite awhile.

 

[cbg]

And your evidence that you were removed from the screening for this reason and not because you gave them an argument about the cell phone is...?

My friend, I TEACH employers how to recognize sexual harassment and what to do about it. Don't try to tell me when you've got a viable argument or not.

 

[kapeedmaro]

I think you need to seek legal help from an attorney in your area because, quite frankly, only someone who is getting paid is going to put up with your attitude. That is my legal advice to you.

You are one of the rudest posters to have visited this site in quite awhile.

I apologize for my bluntness, but if feels like the only response to my seeking help has been indifference. I'm the one who is rude when no one wants to take the time to actually understand what I'm saying but respond with irrelevant conclusions that not one are not applicable, but show they weren't even paying attention. This is a comparison, I realize these two situations are not the same, but they are merely a comparison to hopefully give you some sort of a reference as to the situation I am in.

Imagine you go to the ER because you broke your arm. You tell the doctor what happened that caused your arm to break and he asks if you've changed your diet recently. You tell him that you are trying to focus on your broken arm and the details with whatever X-Rays he takes should help to treat it properly. He responds begrudgingly and tells you that your attitude is making it hard for him to heal you. You apologize and ask him to take another crack at it and he tells you that your arm isn't broken. You respond with greater agitation, since, you know that your arm is broken.

Now that is just to hopefully give you an idea of what it is like on my side. Only replace ER with free clinic and doctor with nurse practitioner. Honestly, I'm not normally a disagreeable fellow, and almost never this combative in my responses (which really have been at worst snarky)

 

[quincy]

I apologize for my bluntness, but if feels like the only response to my seeking help has been indifference. I'm the one who is rude when no one wants to take the time to actually understand what I'm saying but respond with irrelevant conclusions that not one are not applicable, but show they weren't even paying attention. This is a comparison, I realize these two situations are not the same, but they are merely a comparison to hopefully give you some sort of a reference as to the situation I am in.

Imagine you go to the ER because you broke your arm. You tell the doctor what happened that caused your arm to break and he asks if you've changed your diet recently. You tell him that you are trying to focus on your broken arm and the details with whatever X-Rays he takes should help to treat it properly. He responds begrudgingly and tells you that your attitude is making it hard for him to heal you. You apologize and ask him to take another crack at it and he tells you that your arm isn't broken. You respond with greater agitation, since, you know that your arm is broken.

Now that is just to hopefully give you an idea of what it is like on my side. Only replace ER with free clinic and doctor with nurse practitioner. Honestly, I'm not normally a disagreeable fellow, and almost never this combative in my responses (which really have been at worst snarky)

If you are convinced you have a case, then see an attorney in your area and pay to have all facts personally reviewed. You do not have to convince us of anything - and, from the looks of it, you aren't going to be able to do so anyway.