By Avia Ustanny, Gleaner Writer 
Angelique Morgan with husband, neurologist Dr. Mark Morgan, and daughters (from left) Melanie and Megan Morgan.
ANGELIQUE MORGAN describes herself as one of 15 children born in very humble circumstances.
Today she is one of the island's few qualified podiatrists or medical foot care specialists. She is also married to another rare find a neurologist - Dr. Mark Morgan.
However, the humility with which she was born is still in place.
Angelique enjoys the simple things of life and is not too choosy about where she goes to enjoy them. Many a fish dinner, or a tasty fish soup which has graced her family table, has come from her own catches in the Kingston Harbour! She is quite mad about fishing and frequently does it from the Palisadoes strip.
The podiatrist has led a life which is so far, fairly unusual. Take the story of how she changed her career. Angelique, working as a registered nurse at the University Hospital of the West Indies in the early to mid-90s, and also trained in operating theatre techniques, was dismayed at the number of diabetics who were losing their limbs.
It was the only thing that really upset her in her hospital work, she recalls. After seeing an amputation, she would be unable to eat a meal for hours afterwards. She was distressed, she said, because many of the amputations were really preventable.
When her husband announced his decision to go to England for his practicum in neurology, the nurse saw it as an opportunity to do further studies herself.
Degree programme
She chose the area of podiatry, pursuing the three year degree programme in medical foot care with the thought of changing the rate of foot loss back home.
Attending the University of Southhampton, she had this goal in mind. "I thought I would be able to make an input in terms of prevention," she now tells Outlook.
As a podiatrist, she would be able to engage in the diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. "Diabetes results in various complications," she explains. Among these are circulatory disorders. There is also the loss of sensation in the limbs. "Persons have to be extra careful."
At University, Angelique was quite determined to complete her programme all in one go. During the period, she had her second daughter and also held down a job as theatre nurse, but she persevered.
Husband Mark Morgan told Outlook that his wife was an inspiration to many English students who had never before seen a woman so determined.
Angelique comments that she had to have a strong sense of self as a black person and also as a female. It also helped that she was previously experienced in the medical field.
Having left in 1998, the couple returned to the island in 2002. Angelique now does home visits, works out of the Diabetes Centre on Downer Avenue, Kingston, and serves the May Pen community from the Midlands Emergency Medical Centre on Manchester Avenue. She also serves the Mandeville Community from Villa Medical Centre on Main Street.
Angelique is quite passionate about most things, including her calling.
"The foot is a sophisticated, durable example of biology. It is able to withstand millions of impacts over a lifetime. However, some people view their foot as a mere appendage," the podiatrist grouses.
"It is only when problems arise that they take an interest."
Diabetics must ensure that their shoes are deep and wide enough for their feet, she advises. They must also insist that their feet are looked at every time they visit the doctor. "As soon as you get into the doctor's office, take off your shoes and socks."
Diabetics must also check their feet daily for blisters, corns and calluses. A simple scratch may lead to an infection which could subsequently lead to the loss of your foot if not checked.
"Never walk barefooted, as you may get scratches which may take too long to get better," the podiatrist counsels. "Remember, the healing is slowed down by impaired circulation."
Angelique also treats foot ulcers which occur frequently in diabetic patients.
Mrs. Morgan notes that podiatry is not only for diabetics. It is for everyone with a medical foot condition, including rheumatoid arthritis patients.
The podiatrist is also able to offer palliative care of the feet, which includes providing preventative prophylactics for several conditions. The professional can also provide cures or increase the comfort of patients with conditions such as fallen arches and heel pain.
Educating patients
Angelique explains that much of her work also involves educating patients about their own feet.
In Mandeville and May Pen, quite a number of the clients are returning residents from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States who know the benefits of regular foot care.
She remains concerned that many Jamaicans are still unaware that the service is available and even necessary. Many "still consider shoes to be more important than the feet," she says.
Some day, she hopes, this will change.
She also hopes to gain qualifications in surgical podiatry which will enable her to operate on the feet.
It looks like a long haul, but already her husband has been very supportive. "He is quite family-oriented and so excellent with our children," - two girls, Megan and Melanie.
In the meantime she is enjoying life back home.
When the 32-year-old Mum is not out and about, she is quite happy to be at home.
In addition to fishing, Angelique is also quite mad about cooking, running and dancing. It is an eclectic mix, but so far, she has no problem keeping her feet on the ground.
