Meet our expertly skilled veterinary doctors and nurses. We are in the business of helping you look after your pets. Our vets and nurses strive for excellence, empathy, and compassion and to treat every pet and owner that comes through our clinic with the highest standard of care.
Dr Meredith Crowhurst – BA/BSc(hon), BVSc(hon), PhD
Dr Meredith (Merry) completed a Bachelor of Arts (history) and Bachelor of Science degree (biochemistry, pathology, with honours) in 1999. She then completed a PhD in genetics and developmental biology at the University of Melbourne, in 2005. Wanting to practice clinical medicine and help animals and owners, Meredith went on to complete her Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree (with honours) in 2008. Since graduating 16 years ago, Meredith has practiced as a small animal (dogs, cats, birds, pocket pets) veterinarian, working in numerous clinics as well as with mobile veterinary services across western Melbourne.
Meredith understands the importance of the human-animal bond, knowing that pets are an important part of the family. Her passions are in both medicine and surgery. She is an experienced and thorough diagnostician, with a drive to determine the underlying cause/s to treat medical problems correctly from the beginning.
Meredith is also very experienced in surgery, capable of both routine as well as complex surgeries, including eye surgery, lump removals, caesareans, intestinal foreign body surgery, bladder stone removal, anal gland removal, extracapsular cruciate surgery, and more. As a veterinarian, Meredith aims to be empathetic, caring, thorough, and gentle.
Dr Meredith is also passionate about informing the public on animal health and veterinary issues and runs a blog Instagram and Facebook account – DrMerryOliveVeterinarian.
At various times, Dr Meredith has been parent to a mouse, rat, bird, guinea pigs, rabbit, dogs, and cats. Not to mention all the various sick animals that have had short stays in her ensuite for overnight care, a duck being the messiest! Four cats (Soxy, Sam, Taylor, and Mabel) and Cocker Spaniel (Daisy) – all currently rule the roost.
Dr Joei Tan – BSc(hon), DVM
De Joei obtained her Bachelor of Science degree, with honours, from the National University of Singapore, before coming to Australia to complete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
Dr Joei is so thrilled to be joining the team at Central Vet Clinic and Hospital. Ever since she was young, Dr Joei knew she wanted to spend her life advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves. Her goal is to make every visit as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry family members. She has a soft spot for adopted pets , and can’t wait to meet all of your pets!
When not at the clinic, Dr Joei is usually trying out new recipes or learning a new hobby.
Veterinary nurse Ash
Ashley has been a veterinary nurse for many years. She has a passion and dedication for all animals, trying to rescue and care for all creatures that do not have a voice.
Veterinary nurse Ashley
Ashley has always been passionate about animals since she was a kid watching David Attenborough documentaries. Here she is with her own fur baby, Ragnar, the gentlest giant.
Veterinary nurse Julie
Julie is a self-confessed crazy cat lady, being a cat Mum to four of her own. Even though she grew up in a rural community surrounded by animals of all sizes, it’s only recently she decided to pursue her genuine love for animals and complete her certificate IV in vet nursing. She has a thirst for knowledge and is constantly in awe of how far animal care and medicine has come.
Veterinary nurse Charmaine
Charmaine has wanted to work with animals since she was a young girl. She first started working as an animal technician for a research laboratory in 2014. After that, she undertook her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing as started working as a nurse in 2019. Her special interests include Great White Sharks, and she even went cage diving with sharks in Port Lincoln in 2023. Above, Charmaine is pictured with her sausage dog, Frank.
Veterinary nurse Debby
Debby made a fulfilling career shift from the health and fitness industry, where she dedicated herself to helping people live healthier lives, to veterinary nursing, now helping animals thrive, which is where her true passion lies.
In 2023-2024, she took the leap and completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Wildlife Care, with aspirations to eventually work with exotic and wildlife animals. In 2024, she joined the team and is now thrilled to spend her days surrounded by her beloved furry companions.
Veterinary nurse Suzanne
Emily is a fully qualified veterinary nurse.
Trainee veterinary nurse Kayla
Kayla is training for her certificate IV in veterinary nursing.
Trainee veterinary nurse Felicity
Still in high school, Felicity may be seen in the clinic weeknights and on weekends. She is young and new to working, so please be patient and kind.
Felicity is particularly fond of cats and has managed to win over all the cats at home. Not sure why but ALL the cats chose her room to hang out in, amongst those of her siblings and the household. Cats are harsh critics, so she must be doing something right.
