Greg Lewis, Master of Bioethics and Health Law.
After completing both law and science degrees, Bioethics was a natural progression for Greg Lewis.
“Bioethics seemed the natural answer; I could apply my legal reasoning along with my understanding of scientific concepts,” he explains.
Greg graduated with a Master of Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL), and found not only the study stimulating, but that his qualification has opened career pathways.
The contemporary nature of the study along with its interdisciplinary focus are major aspects of the appeal of bioethics.
“Bioethics helps grapple with new and emerging technologies.
“Its relevance reaches much further than just its own subject, but can be used to view, understand and explain new ideas and concepts across a variety of different disciplines,” says Greg.
Following the completion of the Master of Bioethics and Health Law, Greg worked for nearly three years in the Ministry of Health's legal team. As a member of that team, Greg was responsible for issues such as xenotransplantation, the development of legislation on assisted reproduction treatments, and germ cell line genetic modification. He was also involved with providing legal advice on the regulatory issues surrounding SARS.
He then went on to a position as a Foreign Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he used the research, analytical, and writing skills developed during his study.
“I learnt how to approach new and often complicated situations using a framework of jurisprudence and ethics. These skills have provided a skill set that can be used in a much wider policy setting outside of healthcare.”
That wider setting is a reality for Greg as he advances in his diplomatic career in New Zealand's major foreign embassies. He is currently serving as New Zealand's Ambassador to Egypt.