This month, we spoke with Louis Conradie, an experienced physician with a diverse and global medical career. After first working with VIKAND during the pandemic, he rejoined in 2026 and now supports shipboard case management and clinical governance. 

Please describe your position and role at VIKAND?

As Medical Director, I support shipboard medical operations by providing guidance on case management and clinical governance.

How long have you worked in the maritime industry and how long have you been with VIKAND? What roles have you held along the way? 

I began my career working in government hospitals – two years in South Africa and one year in Australia. I then spent five years in general practice and 10 years in a busy trauma unit in South Africa. I moved into the maritime industry as a ship’s physician, working at sea for five years. I later transitioned to land-based remote work as a Technical Advisor Physician in Ghana for an international company. 

 During the pandemic, I joined VIKAND to help set up medical facilities for Virgin Voyages. I then became Chief Medical Officer for a company in Cambodia, followed by a role as Medical Director for an international medical services company based in the Philippines. During this time, I also supported a platform that guided medical care aboard commercial vessels around the world. 

 After two years in the Philippines, I moved to Indonesia to work as a Medical Technical Advisor. I then rejoined VIKAND in May 2026. 

What is a career highlight that you are especially proud of?

I am especially proud to have spoken at several international conferences where industry leaders gathered to exchange ideas about medical services and employee welfare. This included serving as a panellist at the CrewConnect Conference in Manila, Philippines.

What is the most significant advancement you have seen in your area of expertise? 

The advancement of AI in medicine. It has enormous potential to improve how we deliver services to clients while helping medical professionals enhance and safeguard patient care. 

Who has made a significant impact on your part of the industry? 

It is not one individual, but all the colleagues I have met and worked with around the world who share the same commitment to continually improving the quality of medical care.

What is the biggest challenge in your role and how do you address it?

I am adjusting to the transition to working from home. With a strong work ethic, I have to make a conscious effort not to spend all my time behind the computer or on the phone and to make time for my family. Fortunately, I have found a great support network at VIKAND that is helping me navigate this transition.

How important is it to have the support of an organisation such as VIKAND?

Working for an ethical company has become a fundamental requirement for me, as this has not always been the case in my previous experience. Some companies are entirely commercially driven, leaving little room for the quality improvements that are essential to medical service delivery. At VIKAND, I know I can rely on a strong ethical foundation.

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

Expect surprises at every turn. It is never boring and can be extremely challenging at times, but it is always rewarding.

What keeps you excited about where the industry is heading? 

The industry is growing and new itineraries are opening up. In some cases, these will require unique medical solutions to support clients and seafarers. We need to continue innovating to meet those needs – and innovation and new ideas are always exciting.

Where do you live and what makes it special?

I live in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I love the city and its people. Port Elizabeth is known as the Friendly City and has a rich history as the landing place of the British settlers who arrived in South Africa in 1820.

What do you enjoy in your leisure time?

I have a marine reef tank and a marine macroalgae tank. At weekends, I often explore the rock pools along our beautiful coastline with my family at low tide, searching for new and interesting macroalgae. During whale season, there are also always a few giants putting on a show for us.