The documentary American Doctor examines the dire state of healthcare in Gaza amid Israeli military operations. Premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, it highlights the efforts of three American surgeons on medical missions to this Palestinian territory. These surgeons treat patients of all ages amidst bombing, displacement, and critical shortages of supplies.
The film also exposes the personal struggles of surgeons when they return home. Israel’s policy of barring international journalists from Gaza amplified their role as vital witnesses. Director Poh Si Teng captures these moments intimately, beginning with a conversation with orthopedic surgeon Mark Perlmutter in his North Carolina home. During this, a photo of deceased Palestinian children becomes a point of ethical contention.
“There’s always such a delicate balance,” Teng shared in an interview. “Show too much and it’s gratuitous. Show too little, and it’s not real.”
Interviewed alongside Teng, Dr. Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American physician, discussed the daily challenges during mass casualty events in Gaza hospitals. Limited resources complicate their efforts in an environment under blockade without enough food, medicine, or water.
Perlmutter shared his experiences, noting the necessity of performing amputations without anesthesia due to supply shortages. He expressed that shortages stem from Israeli government policies preventing necessary medical supplies from entering Gaza.
The documentary uses footage filmed by Palestinian cinematographers inside Gaza. It also follows the doctors in the U.S. as they advocate publicly and share their experiences.
“If the U.S. wanted this to stop, it could,” Teng stated, referring to American military aid to Israel. The film highlights the continued challenges faced by the surgeons as they navigate political hurdles at home.
American Doctor is now showing in select U.S. cities. The digital version was produced by Majd Al-Waheidi. For more insights, listen to the entire interview.
Leave a Reply