The Combat Doctor

By: Dr Dan Pronk

Narrated by: Dr Dan Pronk

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

'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.

©2022 Dr Dan Pronk (P)2022 Macmillan Australia Audio

Critic reviews

"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 fighters: their grit, their humour, and their final moments. These fallen sons both haunted and inspired Dan to live a complete life. A searing story: 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)

One of the most excellent books I have heard on Audible

Dan Pronk does an amazing job not only at narrating his true life story but also in his clear descriptions of all aspects of it. Dr. Dan Pronk is certainly one of the most, if not THE most humble individual I have ever listened to on Audible or read about from the special operations community, especially considering his mountains of accomplishments. While there are many good authors/narrators, I mean it when I say that Pronk is one of the best you will ever listen to. I guarantee you will enjoy every moment of this exciting book and it will be very difficult to stop listening or reading it (though I highly recommend listening to Pronk tell it as it makes it as if he is explaining everything right in front of you). If I could give it 10 stars I would. Thank you for an excellent book Dr. Dan Pronk!

Awesome book!

Highly emotional and engaging. Insight into the reality of combat. Appreciative of the author sharing his life and what he, his fellow soldiers, and family went through and continue to go through. 100% recommend, worth every penny.

Honest and compelling

I appreciated how Dan’s humanity shone through in his work. From the self-depreciating accounts of his stuff ups to the vivid recollections of his experiences on the battlefield, it is a captivating story of discovery, tragedy and redemption. It will fascinate and inspire anyone with an interest in battlefield medicine and the people behind the operators who return home from war.

Brilliant

As someone about to enter the world of special operations medicine, the read was incredibly powerful and insightful both from a technical perspective, and from an emotional one.

oh my, his ego

I just can't stomach listening to this guy talk non-stop about how wonderful he is, uhg! I've given it a few tries, would like to return and don't even need a refund, haha!