The Combat Doctor: A Story of Battlefield Medicine and Resilience - Paperback

by Dan Pronk (Author)

'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.

Author Biography

Dr Dan Pronk resigned himself to studying medicine on an army scholarship after failing dismally in his first career dream of being a professional triathlete. Upon qualifying as an army doctor Dan completed SAS selection and moved into special operations, where he served for five years, including four tours of Afghanistan. He was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his conduct in combat on his second tour. Upon discharge from the army, Dan completed an MBA and moved into medical leadership roles, including as deputy director of a regional hospital, and medical director for a state prison health service. He is also the resident medic 'Dr Dan' on Channel Seven's SAS Australia. He is married to a very tolerant wife and has three sons. In his spare time he can often be found driving his vintage Lamborghini in the Adelaide Hills.