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The Combat Doctor
'I had seen dozens of people die horrible deaths ... This time was different. This time it was a friend of mine dying in the dirt in front of me, and it was my job to save him.'
Dr Dan Pronk served on over 100 combat missions in Afghanistan as a frontline special forces combat doctor, where the casualties he treated were his fellow SAS soldiers and commandos, local civilians and even the enemy.
The thrill of adventure and the challenges of battlefield medicine brought out the very best in Dan; he discovered a sense of purpose in pushing his medical skills and courage to the limits. But there was a cost.
In this frank and vivid memoir, Dan describes the highs and lows of his military-medical career, and the very real toll they took on his mental health and family life. He writes movingly about the burden of saving - and failing to save - friends and comrades, the feelings of helplessness and despair that haunted him, and the journey back to a meaningful and fulfilling civilian life.
The Combat Doctor is an extraordinary story of resilience and growth, and a tribute to the doctors and medics working behind the scenes in conflict around the world.
Praise for The Combat Doctor
'I love Dan's insight from his beginnings as an everyday guy, who pushes himself into operating in a very, very non-everyday environment. A fascinating account of what it is like to go into battle, and the unseen mental battles that arise from the experience. Honest and inspiring. I loved it.' - Hamish Blake
'Dr Pronk walks us to the very gates of hell and points to the nightmare that is modern warfare. The thrall of combat, the dread of buried mines, and the shattered bodies of his mates all feature in this parallel universe that was Australia's war in Afghanistan. This is not some well-worn trope of heroism in war - it brings to life the ghosts of Australia's best their grit, their humour, and their final moments. These fallen sons both haunted and inspired Dan to live a complete life. A searing unforgettable and important.' - Mark Wales
'Beyond the headlines, popular imagery and mythology of SAS and Commandos, are stories of duty and devotion to one another. The Combat Doctor is both a participant and an observer - of skill, courage, death and growth from the traumatic aftermath of war. Step out of your comfort zone, accept the challenge to a better person.' - Dr Brendan Nelson
'Dr Dan Pronk transports the reader into the boots and under the combat helmet of Special Forces in a way few writers can. The idea of a fully armed doctor engaging with an enemy to potentially take life and then within seconds fighting to save one is an incredibly unique perspective. Dan's memoir of his time as a combat doctor, saving lives and at times losing them in the midst of battle, offers a rare, heartfelt perspective of the best, bravest and worst of humanity - but one we all benefit from hearing. ' - Merrick Watts
'Dan gives us an uncensored look into the darkest sides of combat and a raw, personal account of events that have become legend in the Special Forces world. An open, frank look into the mind of the doctor you want by your side when the unthinkable happens.' - Damien Thomlinson
Dr Dan Pronk served on over 100 combat missions in Afghanistan as a frontline special forces combat doctor, where the casualties he treated were his fellow SAS soldiers and commandos, local civilians and even the enemy.
The thrill of adventure and the challenges of battlefield medicine brought out the very best in Dan; he discovered a sense of purpose in pushing his medical skills and courage to the limits. But there was a cost.
In this frank and vivid memoir, Dan describes the highs and lows of his military-medical career, and the very real toll they took on his mental health and family life. He writes movingly about the burden of saving - and failing to save - friends and comrades, the feelings of helplessness and despair that haunted him, and the journey back to a meaningful and fulfilling civilian life.
The Combat Doctor is an extraordinary story of resilience and growth, and a tribute to the doctors and medics working behind the scenes in conflict around the world.
Praise for The Combat Doctor
'I love Dan's insight from his beginnings as an everyday guy, who pushes himself into operating in a very, very non-everyday environment. A fascinating account of what it is like to go into battle, and the unseen mental battles that arise from the experience. Honest and inspiring. I loved it.' - Hamish Blake
'Dr Pronk walks us to the very gates of hell and points to the nightmare that is modern warfare. The thrall of combat, the dread of buried mines, and the shattered bodies of his mates all feature in this parallel universe that was Australia's war in Afghanistan. This is not some well-worn trope of heroism in war - it brings to life the ghosts of Australia's best their grit, their humour, and their final moments. These fallen sons both haunted and inspired Dan to live a complete life. A searing unforgettable and important.' - Mark Wales
'Beyond the headlines, popular imagery and mythology of SAS and Commandos, are stories of duty and devotion to one another. The Combat Doctor is both a participant and an observer - of skill, courage, death and growth from the traumatic aftermath of war. Step out of your comfort zone, accept the challenge to a better person.' - Dr Brendan Nelson
'Dr Dan Pronk transports the reader into the boots and under the combat helmet of Special Forces in a way few writers can. The idea of a fully armed doctor engaging with an enemy to potentially take life and then within seconds fighting to save one is an incredibly unique perspective. Dan's memoir of his time as a combat doctor, saving lives and at times losing them in the midst of battle, offers a rare, heartfelt perspective of the best, bravest and worst of humanity - but one we all benefit from hearing. ' - Merrick Watts
'Dan gives us an uncensored look into the darkest sides of combat and a raw, personal account of events that have become legend in the Special Forces world. An open, frank look into the mind of the doctor you want by your side when the unthinkable happens.' - Damien Thomlinson
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 7, 2024
I first like to thank Dr Pronk for writing this book. I also want to extend my deep gratitude and admiration to the individual’s who courageously served this country. I commend and thank you all for your service to your country.
As a normal civilian who has little knowledge in regard to the lifestyle of a servicemen, this book has allowed greater insight.
What I took out from this book was the lesson at the end from Dr Pronk - that sometimes the things you experience in life, no matter good or bad, makes you the person whom you are today. Although cliche, it is a relevant notion to keep in mind as no matter how traumatic, you’re you now because of that experience. Accept and grow. This lesson that I’ve learnt through Dr Pronk’s experience has allowed me to ponder on my own personal experiences and focus on healing the parts of me that aren’t.
I thank you again for this amazing book.
As a normal civilian who has little knowledge in regard to the lifestyle of a servicemen, this book has allowed greater insight.
What I took out from this book was the lesson at the end from Dr Pronk - that sometimes the things you experience in life, no matter good or bad, makes you the person whom you are today. Although cliche, it is a relevant notion to keep in mind as no matter how traumatic, you’re you now because of that experience. Accept and grow. This lesson that I’ve learnt through Dr Pronk’s experience has allowed me to ponder on my own personal experiences and focus on healing the parts of me that aren’t.
I thank you again for this amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
Amazing read
I really enjoyed this book,found it really hard to put down.
Thank you for opening my eyes for a mere glimpse into Special Forces and what you all went through whilr fighting in Afghanistan.
I really enjoyed this book,found it really hard to put down.
Thank you for opening my eyes for a mere glimpse into Special Forces and what you all went through whilr fighting in Afghanistan.
December 27, 2022
good honest read
Brave, Brave honest man, I hope to meet you somewhere sometime. I don’t know how you brave people do what you do, you are very special people. What an experience. Thankyou for what you did/ do
Brave, Brave honest man, I hope to meet you somewhere sometime. I don’t know how you brave people do what you do, you are very special people. What an experience. Thankyou for what you did/ do
June 4, 2024
Totally enjoyed the peak into SOCOMD, SAS, and the Voodoo Medics. I fortunately never had to experience this level of heat during my tenure as a medic, though some of my guys did go to Operation Desert Storm. Thanks for sharing.
March 22, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. A candid account of his aspirations in his teenage years to building a career in the armed forces.
May 5, 2023
Very interesting read about a humble man. Thank you for your service and for inspiring many others!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews