Dr Meredith Wall
BA, BVSc (Honours I)
After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Philosophy, Meredith worked in publishing and finance for several years before completing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with class I Honours at the University of Sydney in 2012. She spent several years after graduation working in conservation medicine and wildlife research, as well as exotic and small animal practice. Meredith enjoys the university environment, so in 2016 she moved to New Zealand to begin a veterinary clinical nutrition residency at Massey University, under the supervision of Dr Nick Cave. She completed her residency training in 2019 and is planning to sit specialist board exams in 2023 (ACVN board exams not held in 2019 or 2020). Meredith’s interests include nutritional management of chronic kidney disease in cats, hyperlipidaemia, fasting and caloric restriction, and exotic animal nutrition.
In her spare time, Meredith enjoys trying new restaurants, playing with the cats, growing indoor and outdoor greenery, and napping.
What's an idea that excites you right now?
Recipes from Ikaria, the new James Webb images of the universe, and the use of sustainable protein made from duckweed.
What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Overstory, by Richard Powers, and Hamnet, by Maggie O'Farrell.
If you were ship-wrecked on a desert island, and you could pick only five food dishes to eat for the rest of your days, what would
they be?
Tricky! Maybe a Korean tofu, kimchi and seafood stew, really good spaghetti vongole, lots of Greek meze, Japanese grilled mackerel with rice, pickles and miso, and a big bowl of peaches, raspberries, figs and Greek yoghurt.
What is an important problem in the field of veterinary medicine that we still need to solve?
Chronic pancreatitis in cats – we know so little! And recurrent calcium oxalate urolithiasis in dogs.
Cheeseburger and fries, or tofu and vegetables?
Tofu and vegetables, but only with a great (spicy) sauce.
What always brings a smile to your face?
The ones I love, berries, and Brancusi’s Bird in Space.
What food have you never eaten, but would love to try?
Proper handmade soy sauce from Japan. All the heritage fruits, herbs and vegetables slowly being forgotten.
What do you think is humanity's greatest achievement?
Truly, food. The shared joy and connection that results from cooking and eating together. And Labradors.