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The Combat Doctor

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The Combat Doctor

By: Dr Dan Pronk
Narrated by: Dr Dan Pronk
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About this listen

'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 Medical Military & War Professionals & Academics Military Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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)
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I really enjoyed this read / listen, being from a military back made this a little more confronting, but also made the book a more easier to understand. I listened to this book with my wife, and she being a nurse also enjoyed this book.

The amount of dedication a special serviveman need to have to do their training, and mission awareness blew me away. They are a very special person and have my upmost admiration for their service.

The amount focus that Dan Pronk had to become a special forces Doctor was absolutly crazy, they years of focused training was unbelievable. Dan Your wife is a very special lady to put up with you and to stand by you. Only a servicemans wife can really relate to her feeling and emotions, while you are off on duty and preparing to on deployments, what a very special Lady she is.

A great read, thank you.

Fantastic insight into combat medicine

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Dan’s honestly about errors and misjudgment reinforce his dedication and courage undertaking a role that most Australians have little true understanding of. Hearing of his return to civilian life and the challenges this presented complete the story in a way similar accounts fail to achieve.

Brutally honest account of experience’s most of only imagine

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Excellent read and interesting insight to a SF military doctor. Highly recommend as well as Dan's other books. All equally as good!

Highly recommend

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While being the doctor for his combatting element and despite becoming caught up in the excitement of the moment, Dan appeared never to forget his role. I appreciated Dan’s honesty and frankness when recollecting his emotions aroused during his story.

I appreciated Dr Dan’s honesty here.

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What an amazing journey Dan shares in this book - made all the better hearing him read his own words. The resilience factor is a truly powerful life lesson.

5 stars is not enough - Awesome

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Fabulous book! Very easy to listen too and really allows you to ‘paint a picture in your head’. I will be listening to this one again.

Could not stop listening

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brilliant after listening to resilience shield
many hidden words behind the story applicable to many that have served and first responders

honest and raw.

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The reality of Dans life and clarity in his communication of his experiences. A great read and listen!

Honesty

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A fantastic listen and Dan provides a great insight into Special Forces and the dedication, resilience,commitment and drive to achieve his goals.Dan is most humble in telling his story and delivers his words in a relaxed but formal tone. He honours his fallen comrades with grace and dignity.We thank you for your service Dan Pronk.

Inspiring and Insightful

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As someone who grew up in an Army family and who desperately wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, but was prevented my a lifelong medical condition, I enjoyed reading about Dr Dan's career. All the highs and the lows of a remarkable military career. Thank you for your service Doc 🙏

An obsorbing read

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