Dr Louise Speedy: From Medical Student to Military Major
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What does it take to stay calm when lives depend on the decisions you make?
Most of us will never find ourselves in a field hospital, an intensive care unit during a crisis, or serving on military deployments around the world.
But many of us have wondered how ordinary people develop the courage, resilience and judgement required in extraordinary circumstances.
Join Major Dr Louise Speedy for a fascinating and inspiring Learning Lunch exploring a career that has spanned medicine, military service and leadership under pressure.
What began as a second-year medical student looking for "something to do" evolved into a remarkable 26-year journey as a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force, alongside a distinguished career in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine.
From deployments to Afghanistan and Hawaii to helping establish a Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit in just three weeks, Louise's story is one of adaptability, service and calm decision-making in challenging environments.
This is more than a conversation about medicine or the military.
It's an opportunity to hear firsthand how resilience is built, how leadership emerges under pressure, and what extraordinary experiences can teach us about everyday life.
Expect remarkable stories, thoughtful reflections and a fascinating glimpse into a world few people ever get to see.
Meet Louise 🎤
Major Dr Louise Speedy is a Hawke's Bay-based anaesthetist and intensive care specialist who has served as a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force for more than 26 years. Her military service has taken her around the world, including deployments to Afghanistan and participation in international exercises such as RIMPAC in Hawaii. Alongside her medical career, she has become a respected leader known for her calm, practical approach to high-pressure situations.
What We'll Explore
• Louise's journey from medical student to Military Major
• Life as a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force
• Leadership and decision-making under pressure
• Lessons from frontline medicine and international deployments
• Building resilience, adaptability and confidence through challenge
📍 Location: Hygge at Clifton Bay, Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay
📅 Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
🕙 Time: 11:00am – 1:30pm
☕ Refreshments: Lunch included
🎟️ Tickets: $95 per person
👥 Hosted by Love Heart
Warm, welcoming learning experiences designed for people who enjoy discovering new ideas and meeting interesting people.
Most of us will never find ourselves in a field hospital, an intensive care unit during a crisis, or serving on military deployments around the world.
But many of us have wondered how ordinary people develop the courage, resilience and judgement required in extraordinary circumstances.
Join Major Dr Louise Speedy for a fascinating and inspiring Learning Lunch exploring a career that has spanned medicine, military service and leadership under pressure.
What began as a second-year medical student looking for "something to do" evolved into a remarkable 26-year journey as a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force, alongside a distinguished career in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine.
From deployments to Afghanistan and Hawaii to helping establish a Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit in just three weeks, Louise's story is one of adaptability, service and calm decision-making in challenging environments.
This is more than a conversation about medicine or the military.
It's an opportunity to hear firsthand how resilience is built, how leadership emerges under pressure, and what extraordinary experiences can teach us about everyday life.
Expect remarkable stories, thoughtful reflections and a fascinating glimpse into a world few people ever get to see.
Meet Louise 🎤
Major Dr Louise Speedy is a Hawke's Bay-based anaesthetist and intensive care specialist who has served as a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force for more than 26 years. Her military service has taken her around the world, including deployments to Afghanistan and participation in international exercises such as RIMPAC in Hawaii. Alongside her medical career, she has become a respected leader known for her calm, practical approach to high-pressure situations.
What We'll Explore
• Louise's journey from medical student to Military Major
• Life as a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force
• Leadership and decision-making under pressure
• Lessons from frontline medicine and international deployments
• Building resilience, adaptability and confidence through challenge
📍 Location: Hygge at Clifton Bay, Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay
📅 Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
🕙 Time: 11:00am – 1:30pm
☕ Refreshments: Lunch included
🎟️ Tickets: $95 per person
👥 Hosted by Love Heart
Warm, welcoming learning experiences designed for people who enjoy discovering new ideas and meeting interesting people.
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Where is it happening?
Hawkes Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherLove Heart NZ
