Nicole "Nicki" Florence, Medical Director and bariatrician at Memorial Wellness Center, details her COVID-19 pandemic experience as a private practice physician as well as director of the Wellness Center in Springfield, Illinois. Florence, in the first session, details her experience growing up in Springfield as an African American in a predominantly Caucasian area. She also outlines her journey to becoming a doctor, from her childhood ambition to establishing the largest private practice in the Memorial health system. In the second session, Florence details the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic on both her professional and personal life. This includes her own experience contracting the disease.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Dr. Florence discusses the way difficult times can help propel society forward.
Abstract
Interview Session 1 (Audio)
Dr. Florence describes growing up in Springfield, Illinois, as well as her experiences becoming a physician.
Transcript 1
Interview Session 2 (Audio)
Dr. Florence's experiences as a physician during COVID-19
Transcript 2
Photos
Caption: Nicole Florence’s childhood home in the Washington Park neighborhood.
Where: Springfield, Illinois
When: 1978
Ownership: Narrator’s photo
Caption: Nicole Florence as a ten-year-old in Springfield, Illinois.
Where: Springfield, Illinois
When: 1979
Ownership: Narrator’s photo
Caption: Dr. Florence tattooed her arm in marker with a heart and the inscription “hope goes here” in preparation of her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Emotions were high when the first vaccines became available to healthcare workers. She received a lot of positive attention after posting the picture on Facebook.
Where: Springfield, Illinois
When: 2020
Ownership: Narrator’s photo
Caption: Dr. Florence tattooed her arm with a marker with the words “no fear here” for her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Where: Springfield, Illinois
When: 2021
Ownership: Narrator’s photo
Caption: Dr. Florence was featured on Springfield Scene Magazine July 2021 cover thanks to her work with the Memorial Weight Loss and Wellness Center.
Where: Springfield, Illinois
When: July 2021
Ownership: May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption: Florence getting her booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Once again, she tattooed her arm with marker with the words “boost me up” to encourage excitement for the vaccine booster.
Where: Springfield, Illinois
When: 2021
Ownership: Narrator’s photo