The Good Health Clinic is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization operated by medical and business professionals, along with a cross-section of individuals from the private sector. GHC is the sole completely free medical clinic in Monroe County.
Sovereign Immunity is granted by the State of Florida to many physicians contracted by the GHC and the Department of Health in order for them to provide healthcare services. GHC medical and support staff is diverse and includes volunteers as well as medical and related healthcare students.Various physicians not contracted donate their time and skills to GHC patients on a gratis basis.
GHC Founder
& Medical Director
The catalyst behind Dr. Sandy Yankow’s long-term dedication to serving the uninsured and indigent community stems from his personal struggle with healthcare costs as a young medical student, married and with children. The Yankow’s second child was born with congenital intestinal illness, duodenal atresia which necessitated immediate surgery. A noted surgeon, Dr. William Brown, graciously performed life-saving, small bowel surgical resection on their newborn daughter at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Both Dr. Brown and the hospital administration waived charges for services rendered to the Yankow family. Dr. Brown simply asked Dr. Yankow to be mindful of the goodwill extended and always provide needed medical care without regard to a patient’s ability to pay.
Throughout his career, Dr. Yankow delivered free medical care to under-privileged individuals. While practicing in Miami many years ago, he served the needy of Miami-Dade County at Camillus Health Concern. Since relocating to Monroe County, Dr. Yankow has provided care at The Good Health Clinic, as well as free gynecologic care to Miami-Dade County residents at both the Open Door and Good News clinics in Homestead.
Many patients of the GHC have been diagnosed with life-threatening cancers as a result of the services rendered by Dr. Yankow at The Good Health Clinic; they have benefited from individualized treatment from specialists in Monroe, Miami-Dade and, occasionally, Broward Counties. Had financial constraints deterred medical attention, outcomes would most assuredly be compromised.
Dr. Yankow has collaborated and built relationships with colleagues in order to provide GHC patients with much needed specialized healthcare. As a result of his efforts, the unattainable has become reality, ranging from orthopedic procedures such as knee or hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, and elbow surgery, to management of incurable diseases. Suffice it to say, Dr.Yankow's dedication, perseverance, and lifetime of experience have greatly improved the lives of many.
Our Team
Dmitry Sandler, D.P.M., FACFAS
Dr. Sandler graduated cum laude from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He pursued a three-year surgical residency and training in Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a member of both the American Podiatric Medical and Florida Podiatric Medical Associations.
Leslie F. Safer, M.D.
Dr. Safer is a board certified Dermatologist in practice for more than 20 years. He is active in the American Academy of Dermatology and the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society and Endowment Fund with a primary focus in volunteerism and community service.
Neal E. Rakov, M.D., FACP
Dr. Rakov graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1974. He is certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners, American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Gastroenterology, SPEX, and Hyperbaric Medicine.
Steven M. Fletcher, M.D.
Dr. Fletcher is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Additionally, he serves as a Diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology and the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Elisa Maria Brown-Soltero, M.D.
Dr. Brown Soltero is board certified in Neurology and Hyperbaric Medicine. She is also affiliated with the American Academy of Neurology and serves on several committees including the Joint Conference Committee and Practice Analysis Committee.