New Documentary American Doctor Follows U.S. Physicians in Gaza Hospitals

The new documentary American Doctor follows three U.S. physicians volunteering in the besieged medical facilities of Gaza. Directed by Poh Si Teng, the film captures the reality of local medical staff risking their lives daily, with Palestinian officials reporting that approximately 1,700 healthcare workers have been killed since October 2023.

Bringing the Reality of Gaza Back to the United States

Director Poh Si Teng created the documentary out of a “deep despair” over the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including deadly Israeli attacks on her former Al Jazeera colleagues. The film highlights the targeting of medical facilities, a pattern that began in October 2023 with strikes on Al-Mamadani Ahli Baptist Hospital, according to Dr. Thaer Ahmad.

Teng explained that her primary goal with American Doctor is “to bring Palestine back to the United States.” By documenting the harrowing conditions faced by medical volunteers, the project aims to center human stories.

The Frontline Experiences of U.S. Medical Volunteers

The documentary tracks the harrowing experiences of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Perlmutter, trauma surgeon Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, and Palestinian American emergency physician Dr. Thaer Ahmad. Working inside overwhelmed hospitals, these practitioners encountered severe shortages of basic supplies, including pain medication for catastrophic injuries.

Dr. Ahmad described the chaotic wave of patients arriving after hospital strikes, noting the absence of fundamental resources needed to treat severe trauma. Meanwhile, Dr. Perlmutter reflected on how his perspective shifted upon witnessing the destruction firsthand, contrasting his prior assumptions with the reality on the ground.

Dr. Sidhwa emphasized the political dimensions of the crisis, arguing that the United States could stop sending jet fuel, bombs, and weapons. According to Dr. Sidhwa, this is a political problem that requires a political solution.

The Wider Toll on Medical Infrastructure and Personnel

The loss of roughly 1,700 healthcare workers has crippled an already fragile healthcare network, forcing surviving personnel to operate under constant threat. Documenting these conditions, American Doctor serves as an archive of the strain on emergency medicine in a conflict zone.

Photo: europesays.com

As the film opens in theaters, starting in New York, its subjects continue to advocate for international accountability. Dr. Ahmad noted that when they hit a hospital, that’s a deep tragedy that people will feel in the community for the foreseeable future.

Reflecting on Policy and Public Awareness

The release of American Doctor arrives at a juncture in the public discourse surrounding U.S. foreign policy and military assistance. By amplifying the firsthand accounts of physicians who stepped inside Gaza’s active conflict zones, the documentary challenges viewers to examine the domestic implications of international warfare.

What steps should the international community take to enforce the protection of medical personnel and infrastructure in active combat zones? Share your thoughts below.