Dr Andrew Cronin – Flight Lieutenant (Retd)
MBBS UQ BEng (Hons) MMgtSt UNSW GCertAeromedRet MPH&TM JCU GCertHltSci QUT FACRRM FRACGP (2016) FARGP AFRACMA (2016) MRAeS GAICD
Dr Cronin began his career in the RAAF as an Aeronautical Engineer, with postings to No 2 Flying Training School, the Defence Materiel Organisation, and 33 Squadron. He then pursued his medical degree at the University of Queensland, graduating in 2007. Afterward, he worked at Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital from 2008 to 2010.
Dr Cronin began his Rural Generalist Training in Far North Queensland and Rural Victoria, and in 2016, he earned his RACGP Fellowship, along with a Rural Fellowship and GP-Anaesthetic Qualification. Since 2016, he has been working with Lifeflight and the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Rural Queensland. In 2019, he took on a casual contract with ADF Garrison Support.
He is also a qualified Board Director and holds certification in US Aviation (FAA) and Australian Aviation (CASA) Medicals, along with expertise in Aeromedical Retrievals.
As a Veteran himself, Dr Cronin understands the sacrifices made by those who have served the country. He is deeply committed to ensuring Australian veterans receive the world-class healthcare they deserve.
Dr Steven Smith – Former ADF Civilian Contracted Medical Officer
MBBS UQ FRACGP FACRRM (1997)
Dr Steve began his medical journey in 1987 at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, graduating with an MBBS in 1992. He then began his career at Toowoomba Base Hospital before joining Queensland Health, where he served as both a Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent at St George and Dirranbandi Hospitals until 1997.
Dr Steve transitioned into Indigenous Health in 1998, managing the Goondir Aboriginal Medical Centre and General Practice in St George until 2001. After relocating to Brisbane in 2002, he worked in various general practices across the southside of Brisbane until 2013.
In 2014, Dr Steve became a Civilian Contractor for the ADF Garrison Support contract, working in Townsville and South-East Queensland before founding AVHS. He also completed the ADF Aviation Medical Officer Course in 2015.
Dr Steve is dedicated to veterans’ health, driven by a desire to support those who have sacrificed so much in service to their country. He holds deep respect for veterans and their families and is committed to giving back through his work.
Dr Paul Shumack – Group Captain (Retd)
MBBS FAFOEMRACP FACAsM
Dr Shumack is a specialist in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, with a remarkable 50+ years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He held the role of Senior Aviation Medical Officer and served as Commanding Officer at both 3 RAAF Hospital and 6 RAAF Hospital, as well as at the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine. Additionally, Dr Shumack was the Chief of Flight Medicine for the Tactical Air Command with the US Air Force.
He completed his medical degree at the University of Queensland and has been actively involved with ‘Variety – the Children’s Charity’ since the mid-nineties, where he currently serves as Director. Dr Shumack also holds the position of Honorary Medical Officer for Variety Queensland and has participated in the annual Variety Bash for over 30 years.
Dr Shumack is passionate about veteran health and finds it deeply fulfilling to support veterans through their physical and mental health challenges. He is dedicated to helping veterans transition smoothly from military to civilian life, ensuring they receive the care and guidance they need.
Dr Dan Pronk
MBBS FRACGP
Dr Dan Pronk is a distinguished former Special Forces combat doctor with extensive experience in battlefield medicine and veteran health. After studying medicine on an Australian Army scholarship, Dr Pronk completed the rigorous Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) selection course and served on over 100 combat missions in Afghanistan as a frontline special operations doctor.
During his military career, Dr Pronk deployed on five operational tours, including four to Afghanistan. His exceptional service earned him a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his leadership during his second Afghan tour. Dr Pronk represented Australia on the NATO Special Operations Forces Medical Expert Panel, specialising in pre-hospital management of penetrating trauma.
Following his full-time military service in 2014, Dr Pronk has held several key medical leadership positions, including:
- Deputy Medical Superintendent at a regional hospital in Queensland
- Medical Director of the South Australian Prison Health Service
- Medical Director for TacMed Australia
Dr Pronk holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science, medical qualifications from Flinders University, and an MBA from the University of South Australia. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and has completed an Associate Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators.
As an advocate for veteran health and resilience, Dr Pronk co-authored the bestselling book “The Resilience Shield” and published his memoir “The Combat Doctor: A Story of Battlefield Medicine and Resilience.” Drawing from his personal experience with PTSD, Dr Pronk brings valuable insights into the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Dr Pronk currently practises emergency medicine while serving as a tactical medical consultant for various police and government agencies. His unique combination of combat experience, medical expertise, and personal understanding of veteran health issues makes him an invaluable asset to Australian Veterans Health Services.
Dr Andrew Ebringer
BSc, MBBS, DA(UK), DipRACOG, CTM, MPH&TM, FRACGP
Dr Andrew Ebringer brings extensive experience across health consultancy, military medicine, aero-medical retrieval, occupational health, and primary healthcare. He has held senior roles including Regional Medical Director for Australasia at a global health and security organisation, where he led clinical governance and medical consultancy for government and industry clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
Previously, Dr Ebringer served as Head of Clinical Studies at the Australian Army Malaria Institute, advising on tropical disease prevention and leading vaccine trials. He has also worked as a travel medicine physician, public health advisor and senior lecturer at James Cook University, focusing on vaccine-preventable disease control.
Dr Ebringer was Director of Medical Services for Remote Health in the Northern Territory, overseeing GP and emergency retrieval services to remote communities and fostering partnerships to improve indigenous health outcomes.
He has published in journals including Human Vaccines, Malaria Journal, and Vaccine.