| After endless travail, Joe finally got a Florida Medical License and opened his Childrens Clinic. His rules from the first were: Accept everyone, even the penniless. Never make an appointment, just show up Charge low rates, give additional services (immunizations, lab tests) at affordable prices Use low cost para-professionals, skilled but without fancy diplomas. Be available 24/7. When anyone called, at any time, they heard "Dr. DeLeeuw speaking..." Be open early, late, Saturdays, whenever people need care. |
| This is the only known remaining image of the first Childrens Clinic. After Dr. Joe did residency in New York, he came to Miami to live with his son (me). Joe said he followed his instincts until a higher power led him, somehow, to Dania. Dr. Joe lived here as well as worked. 24 hours every day. When he went out he was always available by phone,"Dr. DeLeeuw speaking". For years he was the Doctor, nurse, janitor, secretary and plumber. It was here he pioneered the concepts of no appointment-no wait, low prices for all, and the use of para-professionals. |
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| Joe always maintained that a higher power led him to whatever he needed. Somehow, just when he needed it, this building became available. Here he expanded the Clinic to have over 50,000 patients. This is the site of what is now called DeLeeuws Family Clinic. Dr. Joe never sought out employees. He said God sent people to him, all he had to do was wait. He made decisions based on gut inspiration. He lent, often gave, money to people he liked and trusted. When Dr. Joe was led to this new building, he decided to do more to help the poor. He joined Medicaid HMOs, founded a legal clinic, and even hired a Gynecologist for the poor. God or fate intervened: rates for Medicaid pediatricians were raised enough to make Dr. Joe a wealthy man. When he sold the clinic to his employees in 2004, visit rates were $20, and Dr. Joe still took call 24/7. "Dr. DeLeeuw speaking" |
| Dr. Joseph DeLeeuw died on January 14, 2007. He was only sick for two days. His accomplishments live on as a memorial to him and a guide to all who want to go forward in their lives. Joe said the past is "passe". What can I do right now? For as we spend our days, so we spend our lives... |
| Dr. Joe says... Goals are not only necessary to motivate us, they are essential to keep us alive |