Not many of us can claim a career in international media law with the BBC, working alongside household names such as David Attenborough and Jeremy Clarkson, and now be employed as a doctor in John Hunter Hospital.
Having graduated from the University of Newcastle on Wednesday, for the second time, this is the reality for Dr Claudia Lawson - who somehow also finds time to be a mother to her two young children.
"I have had some incredible experiences as a lawyer, but ultimately I wanted to return to the health sciences. Working with people and giving back in a small way," Dr Lawson said.
Dr Lawson received her first qualification from Newcastle uni - a double degree in Forensic Science and Law - in 2005.
Despite a keen interest in science and the human body, Dr Lawson soon discovered that laboratory life wasn't her cup of tea.
"I decided I couldn't work in a laboratory, there wouldn't be enough talking or interaction for me," she said.
"So I followed the traditional law route and went into private practice."
It was then that Dr Lawson embarked on a career in media law. Moving overseas with now husband Dane, Claudia landed a role with the BBC in London - later for Foxtel and the ABC in Sydney.
"I had the opportunity to work with people such as David Attenborough and the team from Top Gear, we handled the legals for the shows and negotiated with networks," she said.
However, a desire to get back into health sciences saw Dr Lawson return to Australia and, five years on, graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Newcastle's Joint Medical Program.
Dr Lawson is now undertaking a rotation in orthopaedic surgery through a part time internship at the John Hunter Hospital. A role she job shares with fellow Newcastle graduate, Dr Jocelyn Ledger.
With two children, aged five and two, Dr Lawson said the part-time structure of the internship suits her and Dr Ledger "perfectly".
"I've got two small children, and Jocelyn has a little baby so it just means we can both have careers and also have time with our children," Dr Lawson said.
Traditionally interns haven't job shared in Hunter New England Health so this is a first. Out of the 127 junior doctors they now have five part-timers.
Telling the Newcastle Herald it was "special to have an in-person graduation ceremony after two years of COVID restrictions", the UK-born and Newcastle-raised graduate said she is excited to be helping people in a health setting.
"I'm really happy. It's a high-pressure environment but it's rewarding knowing you are making collaborative and meaningful decisions to improve people's lives."
