Full Breakdown
“American Doctor” Documents U.S. Physicians Working Amid Gaza’s Health Crisis
8/22/2026, 4:02:35 AM
Core Event: Documentary Tracks Three American Doctors in Gaza
Poh Si Teng’s feature-length documentary “American Doctor” follows North Carolina surgeon Mark Perlmutter, Palestinian-American physician Thaer Ahmad, and Zoroastrian surgeon Feroze Sidhwa as they volunteer in Gaza’s hospitals. The film intercuts footage of the doctors treating severely injured civilians with their appearances on U.S. media where they denounce the conditions they witness. It premiered at Sundance and is now playing in limited U.S. theaters while also being screened free of charge for medical professionals in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Background & Context: Conflict-Driven Strain on Gaza’s Health System
Since the escalation of hostilities, Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted, and the Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on medical facilities. A closing text card notes that more than 1,700 healthcare workers have been killed in the enclave. The doctors describe the “psychic wounds” inflicted on patients and staff alongside the physical casualties.
Key Figures & Groups
- Mark Perlmutter – North Carolina surgeon.
- Thaer Ahmad – Palestinian-American doctor barred by Israel from regular entry to Gaza.
- Feroze Sidhwa – Zoroastrian surgeon who survived a near-miss missile strike.
- Poh Si Teng – Emmy-winning filmmaker and former ABC News executive.
- Hamza Ali – Co-founder of Watermelon Pictures, executive producer.
Production Journey: From Personal Loss to Film Launch
In December 2023, Teng learned that her colleague Samer Abu Daqqa was killed by an Israeli drone strike. After locating a video of Perlmutter criticizing political inertia, Teng met the three doctors and began filming on the ground. The opening scene captures a tense ethical debate between Teng and Perlmutter over whether to display graphic images of dead children. Teng later decided to include the images, explaining her guilt and embarrassment during filming. The Sundance premiere generated discussion about audience receptivity to Palestinian narratives, leading Watermelon Pictures—a Palestinian-owned distributor—to acquire U.S. rights and schedule a rapid release ahead of the midterm elections.
Ethical Debate on Graphic Imagery
The documentary foregrounds the dilemma of showing graphic war footage. Teng, initially hesitant, ultimately chose to present the stark images, describing the moment as “deeply embarrassed” and “guilty” on camera. The film uses this exchange to illustrate broader journalistic challenges in covering extreme violence.
Impact and Outreach: Targeting Medical NGOs and the Public
Teng and Ali describe the film as a “Trojan Horse” intended to draw viewers into a Palestinian perspective while highlighting the vulnerability of healthcare workers. Free screenings for doctors, nurses, and medical students aim to encourage NGOs to adopt a firmer stance, noting that many medical professionals have faced doxxing and retaliation for speaking out.
Official Statements & Responses
- Poh Si Teng said the silence of journalists after her colleague’s death was “pin-drop” and “very deep,” underscoring the personal impetus behind the film.
- Hamza Ali praised the opening footage as “extremely powerful” and highlighted the film’s blend of “human-element” moments with urgent advocacy for medical NGOs.
Data & Statistics
- > 1,700 healthcare workers reported dead in Gaza, according to the documentary’s closing text card.
What’s Next
“American Doctor” continues its limited theatrical run while Watermelon Pictures coordinates additional free screenings for medical communities in major U.S. cities. The filmmakers hope the film will spur greater vocal advocacy from medical NGOs and influence public discourse ahead of upcoming elections.
