Episode Twelve - Dr Dan Pronk
Dr Dan Pronk is a former Australian Army Special Forces combat doctor, author, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker.
Dan originally pursued his goal of competing professionally in Trialathon before gaining an Army scholarship to study medicine. Following his medical training, Dan then went on to complete the demanding SASR selection course before joining special operations.
During his military career, he served alongside both the SASR and the 2nd Commando Regiment, providing frontline medical care in high-risk combat environments on four combat deployments to Afghanistan. On his second deployment, he was awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service for leadership in action.
Following his military service, Dan transitioned to civilian medicine, working in emergency departments and medical leadership roles. He is also a part-owner and Medical Director of TacMed Australia, starred as the on-set doctor for the hit television program SAS Australia, and regularly delivers presentations on resilience, leadership, and high performance.
As an author, Dan has written several books, including The Combat Doctor, a memoir about battlefield medicine and the psychological effects of war; The Resilience Shield with his brother Ben and Tim Curtis, which outlines practical strategies for building resilience; and Average 70kg D**khead, which shares lessons on goal setting, discipline, and personal development.
Dan has spoken openly about his own struggles with post-traumatic stress and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. Through his writing, public speaking, and clinical work, he advocates for evidence-based approaches to resilience, mental health, and performance for veterans, emergency responders, and the wider community.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science, A Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery, A Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a Master of Business Administration, and an Associate Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators.
Dan is married to a very tolerant wife, the proud father of three boys, ice bath officnado, car enthusiast, and owner of three businesses and counting.