Dr Natalia Medrano Lara DVM(Hons)

PhD Candidate

Natalia graduated as a veterinarian from Universidad de la Salle Bajio, Mexico. In Mexico, she worked at a show jumping riding school as a rider, assistant trainer, and veterinary manager. In 2023, her passion for the athletic horse took her to Argentina, where she completed a 3-month externship, followed by a one-year internship at Kawell Equine Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, and worked as a resident equine veterinarian at Rio Dois Irmanos stud farm.

She joined the team at Equine Centre in September 2024, when she started her PhD candidature at the University of Melbourne, as part of the Equine Orthopaedic Research Group. Her research incorporates artificial intelligence and longitudinal monitoring of equine locomotion with marker-less motion capture, sensors, and wearable devices to detect the early development of musculoskeletal injury. She also participates in the Equine handling and clinical skills teaching and currently holds a casual Veterinary assistant position within the clinic.

Natalia enjoys early mornings at Flemington racetrack as part of her data collection, exploring Victoria’s National Parks and travelling around the world wherever her passion for horses takes her, currently: Australia.