Our “VIKANDER Profile” highlights an extraordinary team member. Discover our collective depth of knowledge and get to know some of the people who make our mission possible.

In this edition of Pulse, meet Dr. Roxanne Garcia, Lead Physician, OneHealth by VIKAND.

Please describe your position and role at VIKAND

As Lead Physician at OneHealth by VIKAND, I look after a multidisciplinary team that delivers telemedicine services for crew members in commercial shipping and yachting. I’m involved in hands-on care through regular video consultations, and I also help run day-to-day operations to keep things running smoothly and effectively. My work includes onboarding new partners, liaising with vessel command and working closely with our IT partners to improve systems. I report directly to the Senior Vice President, keeping them updated on performance and progress.

How long have you been in the maritime industry and at VIKAND? What other roles have you held?

I’ve been working in maritime healthcare since 2018. I started as a ship’s doctor with Norwegian Cruise Line, then served as Senior Ship Doctor with Oceania Cruises before joining VIKAND in 2022. Here, I’ve gone from Senior Doctor to Lead Physician with OneHealth.

What’s been a highlight of your career, or a contribution you're especially proud of?

One of the proudest moments of my career was being invited to speak at the 2023 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum. I was part of a panel discussing resilience and adapting to change, and I presented on a topic that means a lot to me: preventing illness at sea by taking a more proactive approach to healthcare.

Having served onboard during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seen how important it is to look after both the physical and mental health of seafarers. I spoke about the role of proactive care—things like chronic disease reviews, wellness check-ins and mental health screenings—which helps us catch issues early and avoid medical emergencies.

What do you think has been the most important development in maritime or healthcare in your field?

The biggest game changer has been telemedicine. In the past, seafarers without an onboard doctor had to rely on patchy satellite calls to shoreside medics. Now, with apps like VIKAND Connect, they can have live video consultations anywhere in the world.

At OneHealth, we focus on using telemedicine not just for emergencies, but for everyday health and wellness. We support crew members who don’t have a medic onboard, offering them a virtual doctor who’s always available. This kind of care helps reduce emergencies, prevent unnecessary disembarkations and keep crews healthier.

What’s the biggest challenge in your role, and how do you manage it?

One of the biggest challenges has been building the OneHealth telemedicine team from the ground up. When we launched in 2022, it was just a small group with a single client. Now we support more than 160 vessels, and maintaining high standards of care is more important than ever. I work closely with our team, ship leadership and shoreside partners to make sure every crew member gets the support they need.

How important is support from organisations like VIKAND?

In a word—vital. The support we get from VIKAND gives us the resources, partnerships and innovation we need to keep improving our services. From working with software developers to strengthening client relationships, VIKAND’s backing helps us offer care that’s both advanced and accessible.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in shipping?

Embrace the unexpected. Working at sea teaches you resilience, adaptability and teamwork like few other careers. For healthcare professionals, it’s a rare chance to make a real difference, supporting crew in some of the most challenging environments out there. If you bring compassion, flexibility and a desire to help, it’s an incredibly fulfilling path.

Where do you live, and what makes it special?

I live in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. What makes it truly special is the people. Filipinos are warm, friendly and welcoming. The city itself is a mix of old and new, rich in history and culture. And of course, the Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There’s a song that says, “Manila, I keep coming back to Manila,” and I feel exactly the same.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like to keep a balance between relaxing and staying active. I play the piano, shoot hoops with my sons and always have a book on the go. Fitness is important to me, so I make time for the gym, spinning, Pilates, running, hiking and badminton. I also love the beach—it’s where I go to unwind. And when I get the chance, I travel. Exploring new places helps me recharge and stay inspired.

How can a proactive approach help build a healthier, more sustainable workforce?

Prevention is the key. At OneHealth, we check in regularly with crew through services like House Doctor Calls, Wellness Assessments and mental health screenings. This helps us spot potential problems early and deal with them before they escalate.

The result is fewer emergencies and disembarkations, and healthier, happier crews. That’s how we build a stronger, more sustainable workforce at sea.